Undefeated fighter steps in to fight Jacobe Smith at UFC Houston
MMA Fighting
February 13, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Undefeated welterweight Josiah Harrell will make his long-awaited UFC debut at UFC Houston after stepping in as a last-minute replacement for an injured Seok Hyeon Ko. The 27-year-old, also known as "Muscle Hamster," boasts an impressive 11-0 record with all but one of his wins coming by knockout or submission. Harrell was originally scheduled to fight Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 290 in July 2023 but withdrew due to a rare brain disease revealed during a pre-fight medical exam. Since returning to action in 2025, he has maintained his dominance with three straight wins, including a first-round submission of veteran Melvin Guillard and a knockout of Bekmyrza Dosmatov.
Meanwhile, Jacobe Smith, who remains undefeated at 11-0, continues to make waves in the UFC. The 30-year-old from Florida made his octagon debut with a stunning 73-second knockout of Preston Parsons and followed it up with a second-round submission of veteran Nico Price at UFC 317. Both fighters are set to face off in a highly anticipated welterweight bout at Toyota Center on February 21, 2024.
UFC Houston features an exciting lineup, headlined by former middleweight champion Sean Strickland and rising star Anthony Hernandez. The event promises to deliver thrilling action across multiple weight classes, with fans eager to witness the next chapter in both Harrell's and Smith's undefeated streaks. This matchup is a must-watch for MMA enthusiasts, as it showcases two of the most promising young talents in the sport.
The fight between Harrell and Smith is not just about their individual records but also represents a significant moment for UFC fans eager to see how these rising stars will perform under pressure. With both fighters bringing unique styles and impressive resumes, the bout is poised to be one of the highlights of the event. As the MMA world continues to evolve, this fight underscores the depth of talent in the welterweight division and keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/13/2026