Anthony Smith’s Nickname ‘Lionheart’ & the Untold Hollywood Reference Behind It

In the chaotic world of MMA, nicknames are more than just catchy monikers—they often tell a deeper story about the fighter behind the gloves. Whether it’s “The Notorious” Conor McGregor or “Bones” Jon Jones, these labels reflect personality, legacy, and fighting spirit. Anthony Smith’s nickname, “Lionheart,” is no different.

With over 50 professional fights under his belt and a reputation for grit and resilience, Smith has lived up to his title time and time again. But where did the name come from? And what does it truly represent for the man who’s battled through both personal hardship and elite-level competition?

What is the meaning behind Anthony Smith’s nickname ‘Lionheart’?

Long before he became a household name in the UFC light heavyweight division, Anthony Smith was just another kid trying to survive the rough streets of Nebraska City. Raised by a single mother, Smith faced numerous challenges growing up, and in the past, he has admitted to being a troubled youth, but he always had a strong moral compass.

Then came the moment that changed his life—a trip to Subway. “I went to get a sandwich in a Subway, and there was a flyer for an amateur fight night… They needed an extra fighter, so I just raised my hand,” he revealed in an interview with News18 Sports. That spontaneous decision threw him into the world of MMA, and there was no turning back.

As for the nickname? It was inspired by the Jean-Claude Van Damme movie ‘Lionheart’, where the protagonist fights in underground matches to support his family. Smith related deeply to the character’s grit and determination.

He revealed, “I was just fighting for money. You know, it was, people were making bets, and I was making a few bucks off of the winnings, and that’s how I was supporting myself. Also, historically in those fights, Van Damme lost most of those until he ended up winning at the end.”

From early amateur struggles to headline fights in the UFC, Anthony Smith’s resilience has defined him. Win or lose, he fights like someone with the heart of a lion, making “Lionheart” more than just a nickname. It’s a way of life.

Anthony Smith is a ‘Lionheart’, even out of the Octagon!

Anthony Smith’s connection to the name “Lionheart” runs deeper than most fans realize. It’s not just a title; it’s become part of his identity, so much so that even his kids think it’s their last name. So when Diego Sanchez, a UFC veteran known for his erratic behavior, suddenly declared himself the new “Lionheart” in 2017, Smith wasn’t having any of it.

In an interview with Combat Press, Smith stated, “It’s something that’s supposed to be part of your personality, you know? This dude’s had like three nicknames. Just pick one and keep it. All of your nicknames, you’ve just given to yourself. There are some nicknames that are pretty unique to the UFC. What if I just wanted to be Anthony ‘The Iceman’ Smith? Nobody’s going to be cool with that.”

Emphasizing how important and personal these names can be in the fight game, he shared, “My kids think their last name is Lionheart, and it’s been branded all over my life and has been for a decade. What if Sanchez changed his name to ‘Rampage’? Rampage would blow his mind.”

This same warrior spirit has carried him through two decades in the fight game, and it all comes full circle at UFC on ESPN 66. The 36-year-old veteran confirmed this would be his retirement fight, marking the end of a career filled with highs, lows, and unforgettable moments. From a random flyer in a Subway sandwich shop to the biggest stage in MMA, he’s earned every ounce of his nickname!