MMA Match Preview: Niko Price (16-8) vs. Jacobe Smith (10-0)

The welterweight division gets a jolt of chaos and intrigue as veteran finisher Niko “The Hybrid” Price takes on undefeated prospect Jacobe “Cobe” Smith in a high-stakes prelim bout. With Price’s unpredictable violence and Smith’s relentless pressure, this matchup promises fireworks from the opening bell.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Niko Price	Jacobe Smith
Record	16–8 (2 NC)	10–0
Age	35	29
Height	6’0″	6’2″
Reach	76″	72″
Stance	Orthodox	Southpaw
UFC Record	8–7 (2 NC)	1–0
Last Fight	Loss vs. Themba Gorimbo	Win vs. Preston Parsons

Fighter Breakdown

Niko Price – The Wildcard Veteran

Known for his unorthodox striking and chaotic energy, Niko Price is a fan-favorite who can end a fight from any position—literally. He owns some of the most unique knockouts in UFC history, including finishes from his back. With 10 knockouts and 3 submissions, Price is always dangerous, but he’s also struggled with consistency, losing three of his last four.

Strengths: Explosive power, creativity, veteran savvy

Weaknesses: Defensive lapses, vulnerable to pressure and takedowns

Path to Victory: Land early and often, capitalize on chaos, and avoid prolonged grappling exchanges

Jacobe Smith – The Undefeated Pressure Machine

A former collegiate wrestler turned knockout artist, Jacobe Smith has stormed into the UFC with eight knockouts in 10 wins, including a 73-second KO in his debut. Training out of Fortis MMA, Smith blends relentless pressure, powerful striking, and strong takedowns. His southpaw stance and cardio make him a stylistic nightmare for aging veterans.

Strengths: Wrestling base, knockout power, pace and pressure

Weaknesses: Limited UFC experience, untested in deep waters

Path to Victory: Close distance, mix in takedowns, and overwhelm Price with volume and control

Keys to Victory

For Price:

Keep the fight standing and at range

Use reach advantage and unorthodox angles

Avoid the clinch and takedown attempts

For Smith:

Pressure early and often

Mix striking with level changes

Exploit Price’s defensive gaps and wear him down