“Muscle Hamster” gets his redemption.
Rising Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight prospect Jacobe Smith lost his opponent for UFC Houston next weekend (Sat., Feb. 21, 2026) after Seok Hyeon Ko withdrew with a rib injury. Fortunately, Smith is staying on the card — because former three-day UFC fighter Josiah Harrell is stepping up on short notice.
40oz to Freedom first reported the booking, which was later confirmed by the UFC.
Harrell (11-0) has lived through an emotional rollercoaster over the past few years. The 27-year-old was originally signed to face Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 290 on short notice. He made weight and was ready to compete — but that weigh-in may have saved his life.
During pre-fight medical testing, UFC doctors discovered Harrell was suffering from a rare brain condition and immediately pulled him from the bout.
For many fighters, that would have been the end.
Instead, “Muscle Hamster” rebuilt.
The comeback story now meets a serious test.
Harrell draws fellow undefeated prospect Smith (11-0), one of our unranked fighters to watch in 2026. Smith has looked dominant since earning his contract on Contender Series and arguably hasn’t even scratched the surface of his potential.
The former Oklahoma State University wrestling standout has largely relied on his heavy hands so far, stopping Preston Parsons in his debut (watch highlights) and battering Niko Price before submitting him in his sophomore outing. His elite wrestling remains a weapon he hasn’t fully unleashed.
It’s a fascinating short-notice matchup — two undefeated prospects, one life-altering comeback, and someone’s 0 (and 11) has to go.
Here is the finalized UFC Houston card (knock on wood).
- Sean Strickland vs. Anthony Hernandez
- Geoff Neal vs. Uros Medic
- Dan Ige vs. Melquizael Costa
- Ante Delija vs. Serghei Spivac
- Michel Pereira vs. Zach Reese
- Josiah Harrell vs. Jacobe Smith
- Carlos Leal vs. Chidi Njokuani
- Alibi Idiris vs. Ode Osbourne
- Alden Coria vs. Luis Gurule
- Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Puna Soriano
- Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani vs. Phil Rowe
- Nora Cornolle vs. Joselyne Edwards
- Yadier del Valle vs. Jordan Leavitt
- Carli Judice vs. Juliana Miller
