Matt Brown: Jacobe Smith, referee deserve blame for late stoppage at UFC Houston: ‘I thought that was a little bit dirty’
MMA Fighting
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Matt Brown, a UFC legend who coached Josiah Harrell during his debut at UFC Houston, criticized both Jacobe Smith and referee Kerry Hatley for the late stoppage in Harrell’s knockout loss. Brown argued that while Smith delivered the finishing punches after Harrell was already knocked out on a takedown attempt, the referee failed to act promptly despite seeing Smith continue to strike an unconscious opponent. Brown believes both parties share blame, with Smith showing poor sportsmanship by continuing to punch and Hatley being slow to intervene. The incident highlights concerns about MMA ethics and fighter safety, particularly when fighters are vulnerable after a knockout.
Josiah Harrell suffered a brutal knockout during his octagon debut when he attempted a takedown against Jacobe Smith. Brown explained that Harrell’s momentum caused him to hit his head on the mat, which rocked him badly before Smith capitalized with ground punches. The referee initially tried to stop the fight but failed to do so until after several additional strikes. Harrell, who had undergone brain surgery and faced significant challenges to return to the UFC, was shaken but ultimately recovered quickly backstage.
Brown emphasized that while Smith’s punches delivered after the knockout were unnecessary, he understands the heat of the moment. However, he stressed that both fighters and referees must prioritize safety. Brown also reflected on the emotional toll of witnessing Harrell’s knockout as a coach and friend, describing it as one of the hardest moments of his career. He praised Harrell for his resilience, noting that he would return stronger and continue to surprise fans with his potential.
This incident raises important questions about MMA refereeing standards and the responsibility to protect fighters’ well-being. Brown’s critique underscores the need for quicker stoppages in such situations and highlights the broader
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/24/2026