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UFC Adds Holland vs. Smith and Cannonier vs. Duncan to Oklahoma City Card

The new matchups create momentum tests for veterans, offering rising prospects a platform before July 18 at Paycom Center.

Overview

  • The UFC officially announced on May 28 that Kevin Holland will face undefeated prospect Jacobe Smith at UFC Fight Night 281 on July 18 in Oklahoma City.
  • Also confirmed for the card is former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier against rising contender Christian Leroy Duncan in a bout with ranking implications.
  • Holland enters the matchup after a unanimous-decision win over Randy Brown that ended a two-fight skid and a 3-2 run since returning to welterweight.
  • Jacobe Smith is a 12-0 prospect who earned a UFC contract via Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024 and has stopped all three of his UFC opponents to date.
  • A reported main event between Dricus du Plessis and Kamaru Usman has circulated but remains unconfirmed, and the confirmed additions bolster the July 18 card while shaping contender trajectories and matchmaking narratives.