Better to be safe than sorry …
Following UFC Houston last night (Sat., Feb. 21, 2026) inside Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, promotion officials confirmed to MMAmania.com that three fighters were transported to a local hospital for precautionary reasons after sustaining damage in their respective bouts.
The fighters were Ramiz Brahimaj, Nora Cornolle, and UFC newcomer Josiah Harrell.
Harrell (11-1) was taken for precautionary CT scans of his head and face after suffering a devastating knockout loss to surging prospect Jacobe Smith (watch highlights). The finish was one of the more violent stoppages on the card, with Harrell rendered unconscious after a reversal led to a crushing sequence from Smith.
UFC CEO Dana White addressed the knockout during his post-fight press conference, calling it one of the worst he’s seen in recent memory and noting that the promotion will continue to monitor Harrell in the coming days.
Harrell saw his previously unblemished record snapped in brutal fashion. The 27-year-old’s journey to the Octagon has been anything but smooth — previously signed to face Jack Della Maddalena on short notice before being released due to a rare brain condition, he ultimately fought his way back to the UFC.
Brahimaj (13-6) was also transported for precautionary CT scans following a hard-fought three-round battle against Puna Soriano, absorbing several heavy shots throughout the contest. The loss snapped his three-fight win streak, which included finishes over Austin Vanderford, Billy Goff (watch highlights), and Mickey Gall. Notably, Brahimaj owns a 100 percent finish rate in his victories and has yet to win a decision in his career, with all but one of his losses coming by decision.
As for Cornolle (9-4), she was taken to the hospital for a scan of her shoulder and collarbone after being submitted by Joselyne Edwards on the UFC Houston prelims (watch highlights). After the fight, she was screaming in pain and could not leave the arena on her feet, resulting in her being carted out. She was also knocked out with a slam before the finishing sequence, but the referee did not catch it.
The 36-year-old French fighter is now riding a two-fight losing streak, and UFC Houston was her first stoppage loss.
At this time, the results of both fighters’ scans have not been disclosed.
It is normal for UFC to transport fighters to the hospital for precautionary reasons, especially if the fighters are involved in three-round battles that are full of damage or after suffering nasty knockouts.
Stick with MMAmania.com for the fighters’ health-related updates.
