Jacobe Smith: Wikipedia | Wrestling | VS Josiah Harrell | Age | Record

Jacobe Smith is one of the most intriguing rising stars in mixed martial arts (MMA), blending elite wrestling roots with explosive knockout power. This article dives deep into his background, career statistics, fighting style, and his highly anticipated bout against fellow undefeated welterweight Josiah Harrell — covering everything from his age to his fight record and professional evolution.

Who Is Jacobe Smith? Early Life & Background

Jacobe Smith, commonly known by his nickname “Cobe,” is a professional MMA fighter in the welterweight division (170 lbs). Born on January 17, 1996, Smith is an American athlete who transitioned from a wrestling background into a dominant mixed martial arts career.

Wrestling Roots

Smith’s foundational experience in wrestling has played a major role in his MMA success. Wrestlers often make excellent fighters in MMA due to elite takedown ability, grappling control, and physical tenacity — all skills that Smith has successfully adapted to the octagon. Though not documented on Wikipedia yet, his collegiate wrestling provided critical groundwork before turning professional.

Transition to MMA

After college, Smith began training in mixed martial arts, sharpening his striking, submissions, and transitions from wrestling to MMA-specific techniques. His polished blend of takedowns and damaging stand-up has made him one of the most feared prospects in the UFC welterweight division.

MMA Career Highlights

Jacobe Smith’s MMA career is best defined by undefeated momentum and a string of highlight finishes.

Professional Record

As of early 2026 (post-UFC Houston), Smith holds a perfect professional MMA record of:

• 12 wins

• 0 losses

Of these victories, most have come by stoppage:

• KO/TKO: 8

• Submission: 1

• Decision: 2+

Smith’s consistent finishes and dominance in multiple aspects of MMA — wrestling, striking, and grappling — have positioned him as a future contender in the UFC welterweight rankings.

Fighting Style & Strengths

Smith’s all-around skillset combines the explosive takedowns of a decorated wrestler with heavy hands and striking precision uncommon at his stage. His ability to control where the fight goes — standing or on the mat — makes him difficult to prepare for.

Notable strengths include:

• Elite wrestling transitions

• Powerful punches and ground-and-pound

• Ability to dictate pace and range

Experts and commentators have noted that Smith’s unique blend of attributes makes him a potential future top-15 fighter in the UFC.

Jacobe Smith vs. Josiah Harrell — UFC Showdown

One of the most talked-about matchups on the 2026 UFC calendar was the welterweight pairing of Jacobe Smith vs. Josiah Harrell, which took place on February 21, 2026, at UFC Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez in Houston, Texas.

Opponent Profile: Josiah Harrell

• Nationality: American

• Nickname: “Muscle Hamster”

• Age: 27

• Record before fight: 11-0

• Fighting style: Grappler with notable finishing ability

• Background: Harrell rebounded from a serious health challenge — undergoing brain surgery due to a rare condition — before securing an unbeaten record on regional circuits.

This fight marked Harrell’s highly anticipated UFC debut after a long road, giving fans an intriguing clash of undefeated athletes.

Fight Night Recap

The matchup didn’t disappoint.

• Harrell initially scored a takedown, showcasing his willingness to grapple.

• Smith quickly reversed position and unleashed a barrage of strikes.

• The fight ended in a first-round knockout via ground-and-pound at 3:01 of Round 1, adding another stoppage to Smith’s resume.

Despite some controversy about referee reaction time, Smith’s domination in this fight highlighted both his poise under pressure and his finishing instincts.

Comparing Styles: Smith vs. Harrell

Smith entered with a size and wrestling advantage, while Harrell brought unorthodox grappling and heart from his comeback journey.

Notable Fights in Smith’s Career

Before facing Harrell, Smith built a résumé that included notable wins over experienced fighters:

• Nico Price — submission victory at UFC 317

• Preston Parsons — quick knockout in his UFC debut

• Multiple stoppages on Dana White’s Contender Series

These performances demonstrated his finishing ability across multiple disciplines — a key reason the UFC fast-tracked his rise.

Smith’s Future in the UFC

With his victory over Harrell and relentless trajectory, Smith has firmly established himself among the most promising welterweights in MMA today. Analysts suggest potential matchups against ranked opponents in 2026, as Smith eyes a climb toward top-15 status and eventually title contention.

Given his combination of wrestling pedigree and striking evolution, Smith could be a favorite in most matchups outside of elite grapplers and seasoned top-10 fighters.

Jacobe Smith: Strengths, Weaknesses & Analysis

Strengths:

• Controlled wrestling transitions

• Powerful striking toolkit

• High fight IQ under pressure

• Multiple finishes in professional career

Areas for Growth:

• Experience against high-level grapplers

• Adapting strategy for opponents able to neutralize wrestling

• Continued evolution in submission offense

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is Jacobe Smith?
Jacobe Smith is an American professional MMA fighter competing in the UFC welterweight division with a strong wrestling background and a flawless record.

2. What is Jacobe Smith’s age and fighting record?
Smith was born on January 17, 1996, making him 30 years old, and he owns an undefeated professional MMA record (12-0).

3. Who did Jacobe Smith fight vs. Josiah Harrell?
Smith faced Josiah Harrell at UFC Fight Night in Houston on February 21, 2026, winning by first-round knockout.

4. What is Josiah Harrell’s background?
Harrell is a 27-year-old American welterweight who overcame a rare brain condition before returning to MMA and compiling an unbeaten record before his UFC debut.

5. What are Jacobe Smith’s strengths as a fighter?
He combines elite wrestling, power striking, and fight control, making him a well-rounded threat in the welterweight division.

Conclusion

Jacobe Smith stands out as one of MMA’s brightest prospects — an undefeated athlete blending wrestling roots with explosive finishing ability. His victory over Josiah Harrell marked another milestone in his career, propelling Smith up the welterweight ranks and signaling a future filled with elite competition.

Whether you’re a fight fan or new to MMA, Smith’s journey — from Oklahoma wrestler to rising UFC force — offers a compelling narrative of skill, tenacity, and championship promise.