UFC featherweight Jacobe Smith has declared that he has previously wrestled with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and believes he can outwrestle him in a future matchup. Smith, who is set to compete at UFC Vegas 123, made the claim in an interview published on Friday, October 30, 2026.
"I've wrestled with Islam [Makhachev], and I will outwrestle him," Smith said.
The 26-year-old prospect did not provide further details on when the wrestling sessions took place. Makhachev, the current UFC lightweight titleholder, is widely regarded as one of the best grapplers in the sport.
Smith's upcoming bout at UFC Vegas 123 will be his next opportunity to showcase his grappling credentials.
