Jacobe Smith has quickly gone from NCAA wrestling standout to one of the UFC's most intriguing welterweight prospects.
On Oct. 31, the former Oklahoma State All-American will have another chance to prove he belongs among the division's rising contenders.
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Smith is scheduled to meet Randy Brown at UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Nolan in Las Vegas. The matchup gives the unbeaten Smith a test against a veteran opponent as he looks to protect his perfect professional record and continue building momentum inside the Octagon.
For wrestling fans, Smith's path to the UFC is a familiar one: years of success on the mat have helped shape a fighter who has made an immediate impact in MMA.
From NJCAA Champion To Oklahoma State All-American
Smith's wrestling career began making headlines well before he entered the UFC.
At Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, he captured two NJCAA national championships before transferring to Oklahoma State. He continued his success with the Cowboys, earning NCAA All-American honors in 2018 while competing under head coach John Smith.
Those accomplishments established Smith as one of the country's top collegiate wrestlers. His ability to control opponents and create offense on the mat has carried over into his MMA career, where wrestling remains a key part of his approach.
Smith Has Made A Statement Since Joining The UFC
Smith has wasted little time turning his wrestling credentials into results in the Octagon.
After earning a UFC contract through Dana White's Contender Series in 2024, he opened his UFC career with a first-round knockout of Preston Parsons in January 2025. He followed with a submission win over Niko Price and additional first-round stoppages over Josiah Harrell and Bruce Whitehead.
The finish of Whitehead at UFC 332 on Oct. 3 pushed Smith's professional record to 13-0. His string of dominant performances has made him a prospect to watch in the welterweight division.
Saturday presents another opportunity to add to that resume.
Randy Brown Presents A Veteran Test For Smith
Smith will face Randy Brown in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Nolan on Saturday.
Brown brings a 20-8 professional record and nearly a decade of UFC experience into the matchup. The Jamaican welterweight has shared the Octagon with several established fighters, giving him a level of experience that Smith has yet to encounter in his relatively young UFC career.
The matchup creates a compelling challenge for the undefeated prospect. Smith will look to impose his physical style and continue his run of finishes, while Brown will aim to use his experience to slow Smith's momentum.
UFC Fight Night: Moicano vs. Nolan takes place at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. The prelims begin at 5 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 8 p.m. ET on Paramount+.
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