A Feud Between Two MMA Legends
Anthony Smith and Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, two prominent figures in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), found themselves embroiled in a heated feud recently. The conflict began when Smith, on his podcast "On Paper," criticized how Jackson and his co-host Bear Degidio discuss MMA fighters on their show, the JAXXON podcast. Smith, a respected fighter in his own right, took issue with the way Jackson and Degidio sometimes joke about fighters, including himself, who haven’t won UFC titles. This criticism, however, didn’t sit well with Jackson, who responded with a threat to “smack the f*ck out of” Smith the next time they met.
The Ignition of the Beef
Jackson’s reaction was sparked during a segment where he was addressing criticism about the JAXXON podcast’s booking of controversial UFC fighter Bryce Mitchell. While Jackson was defending his and Degidio’s approach, he took a moment to lash out at Smith’s comments. Smith, who has always held Jackson in high regard, was taken aback by the intensity of Jackson’s response. In an interview with Submission Radio, Smith expressed his shock and confusion, emphasizing that he never intended to rehash old grievances or provoke Jackson.
A Misunderstanding Clarified
Smith’s comments, which he described as a respectful critique, were misinterpreted by Jackson. Smith believed that Jackson was upset about the criticism regarding the Bryce Mitchell segment, but the real issue lay in Jackson’s belief that Smith was rehashing a past incident where he felt mocked. Smith explained, "I think we had a misunderstanding because he wasn’t mad about the things I said about Bryce. He was fine with the criticism there. He was mad because he thought I was rehashing that he had made fun of me at one point in time." The nuances of their conversation, which can often get lost in the long-form podcast format, led to a miscommunication that neither party intended.
The Nature of Long-Form Content
Smith attributed the misunderstanding to the nature of long-form content, where a throwaway comment can be interpreted as a significant insult. "Sometimes you just get to talking and things that are sticking points with other people are something that you just gloss over," Smith noted. He acknowledged that he could have been more careful in his phrasing, particularly when discussing Jackson and Degidio’s treatment of guests on the JAXXON podcast. This insight highlights the challenges of maintaining clear and nuanced communication in a medium where words can easily be taken out of context.
Private Reconciliation
Despite the public spat, Smith and Jackson have been working to clear the air privately. Smith reached out to Jackson via direct message, and the two have been in communication, attempting to resolve their differences. "I never want any heat with Rampage," Smith emphasized. "I told him yesterday and I told him today that Rampage is and always has been my favorite fighter. Since I was a teenager, Rampage is who I wanted to be like." Smith’s admiration for Jackson is evident, and his intention was never to create any animosity. Their private conversations have helped to mend the misunderstanding, and Smith is confident that their relationship will continue to be positive.
A Mutual Respect Endures
In the end, the feud seems to have been a result of a misinterpretation of words rather than any deep-seated conflict. Smith’s respect for Jackson, and Jackson’s understanding of Smith’s intentions, have helped to defuse the situation. The mock graphic of a Smith vs. Rampage fight released by the JAXXON podcast’s Instagram page suggests that there might still be some lingering tension, but Smith is clear that the beef has been squashed. "Rampage and I are good," Smith concluded, reinforcing his commitment to maintaining a positive relationship with one of his idols. Their mutual respect and the efforts to communicate privately highlight the importance of clear and open dialogue in resolving misunderstandings, even in the often volatile world of MMA.
