Meet Jacobe Smith: The Rising Star of UFC 317
Standing in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, I felt the pulsating energy of UFC 317 as if it had a heartbeat of its own. The screaming fans, the harsh glare of the lights against the octagon, and the sheer anticipation in the air—it was electric. This wasn’t my first UFC event as a journalist, but that night was the first time I witnessed Jacobe Smith in action. And trust me, it’s a name you’re going to want to remember.
This young fighter wasn’t just another name on the card; Jacobe Smith was entering the spotlight in a way that demanded attention. His sheer presence was magnetic—confident yet composed, like someone who knows he’s capable of turning heads and making a lasting impact. As I leaned forward in anticipation, notebook in hand, I knew I was about to witness something extraordinary.
A Debut That Charged the Arena
The noise in the arena reached a fever pitch when Jacobe Smith stepped into the cage that night. At 28 years old, with a wrestler’s frame and a laser-focused expression, he didn’t seem fazed by the moment at all. Here was a man ascending into the unforgiving world of the UFC, but you could sense—no, you could feel—that he belonged.
The first few moments of his match encapsulated why many are already calling him the next big thing in MMA. Smith’s opponent, a veteran fighter with a solid record, opened aggressively, testing Jacobe’s composure. I could see Smith’s eyes, unflinching and calculating, as he timed each counter, measured his movements, and set the pace of the fight.
And then it happened. A lightning-quick takedown that had the crowd gasping, followed by a flurry of controlled, punishing strikes. It was technical, beautiful, and—most importantly—devastating. That round wasn’t just a victory; it was a statement.
The Wrestler Who Defied Tradition
To truly appreciate Jacobe Smith’s talent, you need to understand where he comes from. A product of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Smith’s roots are in wrestling—a discipline that molded him into the fighter he is today. You’ve seen wrestlers transition into MMA before, but Smith stands out because he brings more than just grappling to the table.
He was a standout wrestler in high school and made waves during his college wrestling career. Wrestling wasn’t just a sport for him; it was a life teacher. “You learn discipline and resilience,” as Smith recently shared in a January 2025 interview. “Wrestling prepares you for life, and MMA is just another proving ground.”
But what makes Smith unique is how seamlessly he’s adapted to the dynamic, multi-faceted world of MMA. It’s one thing to have a foundation in wrestling; it’s a whole other ball game to combine that with elite striking, speed, and an intuitive fight IQ. Watching him in the octagon, you’d never guess he transitioned to mixed martial arts just a few years ago. He didn’t just adapt—he thrived.
A Work Ethic That Sets Him Apart
Every now and then, you come across a fighter whose work ethic is nearly as impressive as their skill set. Jacobe Smith epitomizes this. From what I’ve heard—and now seen firsthand—Smith’s grind isn’t just relentless; it’s methodical. Backstage, his team spoke about how he approaches every training session with the precision of a surgeon. Whether it’s striking, grappling, or conditioning, every bit of effort is calculated and purposeful.
This year, Smith has been splitting his training between two elite camps—one in Las Vegas and another in his home state of Oklahoma, working directly with coaches known for shaping top-level UFC talent. He’s also added a new boxing coach to his roster, sharpening his fundamentals, which could be seen in the improved crispness and power behind his strikes during his latest fights.
His coaches have been vocal about his potential, but they’re also quick to point out his humility. “Jacobe’s the same guy whether he’s in the gym or on the biggest stage,” his coach told me after UFC 317 just last month. “He doesn’t look for shortcuts, and that’s what’s going to make him a champion.”
In our recent sit-down, Jacobe talked about his daily regimen, which these days starts before sunrise. “The landscape in UFC right now is super-competitive,” he confided. “If I’m not working harder than everyone else, I don’t deserve to win. That’s just how I approach it. I want to be the fighter who outworks and outthinks everyone in my division.
An Explosive Style with Surgical Precision
There are fighters who try to brute-force their way to victory, and there are those who adapt and think their way through every second of competition. Smith somehow combines both approaches, making him one of the most exciting prospects I’ve had the privilege of covering.
His wrestling would naturally be his bread and butter, but the real shocker for me was his striking game. Clean, precise, and downright vicious—Smith’s punches and kicks landed with an accuracy that made you wince in your seat. He’s not throwing wild haymakers out there; he’s positioning himself to maximize the damage with every blow.
In the last year, Smith has worked with some of the best sports nutritionists and recovery specialists in the industry. His physical transformation is evident—leaner, stronger, and visibly faster. In his last training videos (which he shared just last week on social media), you could see the explosive burst he’s added to his transitions, making his takedowns even more dynamic and hard to read.
But perhaps Smith’s biggest asset is his mindset. You can teach technique, but you can’t teach the hunger, the drive, or the composure to rise to massive occasions. Smith’s ability to stay calm under pressure, adapt his strategy mid-fight, and push through difficult moments makes him a nightmare for anyone in his weight class.
Gaining Momentum in 2025
Since UFC 317, Smith’s star has only continued to rise. His social media presence—especially on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter)—has exploded. Fans from around the globe follow his journey, and it’s clear he’s building a community that admires his work ethic and humility as much as his physical prowess.
I recently attended one of Jacobe’s open workouts here in Las Vegas, and it was standing room only. Kids lined up with gloves and posters, hoping for a signature or selfie. Jacobe spent extra time with each fan, asking their names, sharing advice, and making everyone feel like they mattered. That’s not something you see every day with rising stars; he goes out of his way to connect.
From a competition standpoint, Smith’s management just confirmed to me that he’s eyeing a return to the octagon before the summer in 2025, potentially against a top-10 contender. Those who’ve sparred with him lately talk about how his fight IQ and timing have gone to an entirely new level. Reporters in the gym have said he rarely loses a round, and coaches whisper about new techniques he’s adding—some of which the division hasn’t seen before.
Why Everyone Should Take Notice
If UFC 317 proved one thing, it’s that Jacobe Smith has the potential to be a future champion. His performance that night wasn’t just a win—it was an announcement to the division. After his arm was raised in victory, the roar of the crowd said it all. This wasn’t just about the fans appreciating a great fight; it was about their realization that they’d just witnessed the birth of a star.
Smith’s post-fight interview was humble but confident. When asked about his ambitions, he said, “I want to fight the best. I’m not here for easy matchups.” Those words have resonated both with fans and MMA insiders. Within a week, sports podcasts everywhere—from ESPN to The MMA Hour—were buzzing about “the Oklahoma Kid’s” potential.
There’s something authentic about him—something that makes you want to root for him. He blends the blue-collar toughness of his wrestling background with the finesse and athleticism required to compete at the highest level of MMA. It’s a combination that’s rare, and the UFC world is starting to take notice.
The Journey Ahead
Of course, the road ahead won’t be easy. The UFC is filled with killers, and the deeper you go, the tougher the opponents get. But if Jacobe Smith’s first performance at UFC 317 is any indication, he’s not here just to participate—he’s here to dominate.
Smith’s team has just announced that, heading into the second half of 2025, he’ll be participating in an exclusive UFC Performance Institute camp, focusing on sports science-driven improvements. This means fans can expect an even more dangerous and well-rounded athlete stepping back into the octagon. There’s also talk of him headlining a Fight Night event before the year is out.
This is only the beginning of his chapter in the UFC’s story. What happens next will depend on how he handles the inevitable challenges thrown his way. But as someone who’s seen him fight in person and followed his rapid evolution, I can’t shake the feeling that Jacobe Smith is destined to sit atop his division.
For now, fans like you and me get to watch his ascent, and I have no doubt it’ll be one of the most exciting journeys in the UFC. Jacobe Smith may have just stepped into the octagon, but believe me—he’s here to stay. Keep your eyes on him because this rising star is not just the future, he’s the present of MMA, and all the latest signs point to him being a new icon in the making.
