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Jacobe Smith Eyes Top 15 After Another Statement Finish

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Feb 23, 2026 2:03 PM ET

Undefeated welterweight prospect Jacobe Smith isn’t asking if he belongs among the elite he’s stating it. Smith (12-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) continued his fast rise at UFC Fight Night 267 in Houston, delivering a dominant first-round TKO over Josiah Harrell via punishing hammerfists. It marked his second first-round finish inside the Octagon and kept his perfect record intact.

And in Smith’s mind, the ceiling isn’t prospect status it’s contender. “I don’t think, I know (I can compete against the elite welterweights).”

Smith credits his early development at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, where he sharpened his skills alongside one of the sport’s pound-for-pound best, Islam Makhachev.

Training daily with a two-division UFC champion gave Smith perspective. “I know where I stand, and I was nowhere near what I am now. So, I know I can compete.”

That confidence doesn’t come from hype it comes from rounds with champions.

Still mesmerized by this reversal. Jacobe Smith is someone to keep an eye on pic.twitter.com/2U70g8twXc

— MMA On Point (@mmaonpoint) February 22, 2026

The Kevin Holland Moment

In the cage, Smith didn’t hold back, calling out Kevin Holland who was seated cageside during his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping.

He later clarified there was no personal issue. The callout was situational. Smith’s original opponent, Seok Hyeon Ko, withdrew due to injury, and Smith wanted a name that made sense and stayed active.

The problem? Holland is already booked to face Randy Brown at UFC 327. So for now, that matchup is off the table.

What Makes Smith Dangerous?

Finishing instinct: 3-0 in the UFC, all finishes.
Elite training background
Aggressive pace and physicality
Unshakable confidence

At 170 pounds, that combination travels well.

Realistic Next Steps

If Holland is unavailable, here are potential stepping stones into the Top 15:

A ranked veteran hovering around the 12-15 range
A rising contender looking to defend their spot
A stylistic matchup against a striker to test Smith’s full arsenal

Smith made it clear: “Prove myself a couple more times, break into that top 15, and then go challenge whoever the champ is at the time.”

For now, he’s not asking for the belt. He’s asking for opportunity. And at 12-0, finishing everyone in front of him, it’s getting harder to deny him. If you’d like, I can break down potential stylistic matchups for Smith against specific Top 15 welterweights.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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