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Jacobe Smith KOs Josiah Harrell at UFC Houston as Late Stoppage Draws Scrutiny

A disputed stoppage sharpened safety concerns, amplified by Harrell’s past Moyamoya surgery.

Overview

  • Smith improved to 12-0 with a first-round ground-and-pound knockout, officially stopped at 3:01.
  • Referee Kerry Hatley faced backlash for a perceived late intervention, and commentator Jon Anik later softened his on-air criticism after reviewing slowed footage.
  • UFC officials said three fighters—Josiah Harrell, Ramiz Brahimaj, and Nora Cornolle—were transported for precautionary scans following the event.
  • Harrell, who left the cage under his own power, posted that he sustained facial fractures after the defeat.
  • Dana White called the finish one of the worst he has seen in some time, and Smith capped the performance by calling out Kevin Holland.