Jacobe Smith Seeks Top 15 Shot Against Randy Brown

Jacobe Smith is set to co-headline UFC Fight Night on Saturday against veteran Randy Brown. The short-notice bout serves as a pivotal test for the welterweight prospect, who is looking to secure a matchup with a ranked fighter. Smith has been vocal about his desire to move up the division's ladder, and this opportunity represents the largest platform of his career thus far.

Smith traces his aggressive fighting style to a specific incident during his sixth-grade year. He was outside his childhood home when a high school senior, a neighbor who had previously bullied his cousin, argued with Smith’s mother. The neighbor told Smith’s mother to shut up. Smith jumped off a stump and punched the teenager, sending him rolling in the yard. Smith said the impact of that moment convinced him he would eventually fight in the UFC.

The fighter attributes his temperament to his parents. His father was drafted by the Oakland Raiders and competed in tough-man fighting events, reportedly earning up to $20,000 in a single night. His mother, a former Junior Olympic volleyball player, once stabbed a man in the chest during a confrontation at a nightclub. Smith noted that while he channels rage in the cage, he does not lose control to the same degree as his mother.

Before his UFC debut, Smith earned NCAA Division I All-American honors in wrestling at Oklahoma State. He has since developed striking and submission skills, maintaining an undefeated record. He initially trained with Daniel Cormier at the American Kickboxing Academy in California but returned home due to financial strain. Smith later left Fortis MMA in Dallas following disagreements with leadership and is now running his own gym.

Smith maintains a contentious relationship with welterweight veteran Kevin Holland. The two were originally scheduled to fight, but the matchup fell through. Smith believes Holland accepted the bout without the intention to compete. Their exchanges have moved to direct messages, where Smith says Holland criticizes him behind the scenes. Smith insists the feud is genuine and not a promotional ploy.

Smith is optimistic about his future trajectory. He has spoken with Cormier and UFC matchmakers regarding his next steps. While he has not received a written guarantee, Smith believes a win over Brown will lead to an opponent from the Top 15, or potentially the Top 5. He is preparing for the possibility of skipping the middle of the rankings entirely.