Still unbeaten Smith demands Holland fight after dominant UFC Vegas 123 decision

Jacobe Smith kept his unbeaten record intact and sharpened his callout of Kevin Holland in the same breath, outworking Randy Brown across three rounds at UFC Vegas 123 on 31 October to earn a unanimous decision in the co-main event, with all three judges scoring it 30-26.

The 14-0 welterweight wasted no time in his post-fight interview, pointing the finger squarely at Holland. “I know that kid is scared of me,” Smith said. “He’s seen what I did to Randy, and it’s only going to be worse with him because, you know, there’s something there.”

Smith’s performance against Brown (20-9) was built on wrestling, controlling the veteran for the majority of the contest. The win extended a run that has seen him go undefeated across 14 professional bouts, and he made clear he believes Holland is deliberately steering clear of the matchup.

“I do not plan on letting him survive, and I think he’s going to run as much as he can to get away from me,” Smith said. “By any means, the matchmakers, if y’all get him to sign a damn contract, please, please, please, he’s next on my hit list.”

Smith also used the moment to serve notice on the wider welterweight division. “Kudos to Randy. He’s a crafty vet, but I am here to take over the division. I’m telling you, and I mean that by any means. Any, any opponent. I’m ready to run through them.”

Whether the UFC matchmakers act on Smith’s request remains to be seen, but the undefeated contender has now made his intentions public twice, and his dominant showing against a durable opponent like Brown will only add weight to his case.