| charles oliveira |
Jacobe Smith is a rising star in the UFC welterweight division who has recently gained significant attention due to his impressive performances. He made a striking UFC debut on January 11, 2025, at UFC Fight Night by delivering the first major knockout of the year, stopping Preston Parsons with a powerful left hand just 1:13 into the first round. This knockout was so precise and impactful that it was described as a “hot knife slicing through butter” and marked Smith as a fighter to watch.
Smith, nicknamed “Cobe,” is known for his strong wrestling background and elite training at Fortis MMA. He stands 6’2″ tall, weighs around 170 lbs, fights in the southpaw stance, and has a professional MMA record of 10-0, with 8 of those wins by knockout and 7 finishes in the first round, including some extremely quick stoppages under a minute. His wrestling credentials are notable, having been a two-time NJCAA National Champion and an Oklahoma State High School wrestling champion in 2013, which complements his striking skills well.
At UFC 317, scheduled for June 28, 2025, Smith is set to return after a six-month hiatus to face veteran Niko Price on the preliminary card. Despite Price having much more UFC experience, Smith is an overwhelming 25-to-1 favorite to win the fight, reflecting the confidence the betting community and analysts have in his abilities. Smith himself is focused on his own strengths and growth rather than his opponent, emphasizing his competitive mindset and determination to rise in the welterweight ranks.
Smith’s journey is also inspiring on a personal level, as he overcame severe asthma in childhood to become a professional fighter. His rapid rise and dominant performances have positioned him as one of the welterweight division’s best-kept secrets and a potential future contender to watch closely.
In summary, Jacobe Smith is a highly skilled, undefeated welterweight with a strong wrestling base and knockout power, who is making waves in the UFC. His upcoming fight at UFC 317 against Niko Price is a pivotal moment that could further establish him as a major threat in the division.