Sat Jun 28 04:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Jacobe “Cobe” Smith, a former collegiate wrestler with a 10-0 professional MMA record, is set to face Niko Price at UFC 317 after a stunning knockout victory over Preston Parsons earlier this year. Smith is a heavy favorite, fueled by his wrestling background, boxing skills honed by his brother, and a unique conditioning developed from overcoming severe childhood asthma. Smith believes his superior skills and energy management will lead him to victory.

**News Article:**

**Jacobe Smith, 25-to-1 Favorite, Ready to Unleash Wrestling and Hands at UFC 317**

LAS VEGAS – Jacobe “Cobe” Smith, the welterweight fighter who kicked off 2025 with a thunderous knockout of Preston Parsons, is set to return to the Octagon at UFC 317 this Saturday. Smith will face Niko Price in a preliminary card bout.

Smith, boasts a perfect 10-0 professional MMA record, enters the fight as a significant favorite, with oddsmakers at BetMGM placing him at 25-to-1 over the experienced Price, who has fought nine times in the UFC. Smith attributes his confidence to his wrestling background, honed at Oklahoma State University with connections to MMA legends like Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov, as well as his boxing training with his brother, a former Golden Gloves champion.

What makes Smith’s story even more remarkable is his battle with severe childhood asthma, a condition that doctors once said would prevent him from competing in sports. “I couldn’t walk up the stairs to go to my room as a kid,” Smith revealed. Overcoming this adversity has given him a unique edge, leading to superior conditioning and mental fortitude.

While Smith acknowledges Price’s striking capabilities, he believes his wrestling pedigree and superior energy management will be the difference-makers. Despite not receiving a bonus for his impressive knockout earlier this year, Smith remains unfazed and determined to prove his worth in the welterweight division.

“I’m so used to being looked over and not given what I deserve,” Smith said. “Nobody ain’t going to be able to do nothing with me. I say you throw me one of them Russians and see if their wrestling can stick up with mine or if I got to rely on that.”

With his combination of wrestling prowess, striking power, and mental toughness, Jacobe Smith is a fighter to watch at UFC 317. If he can replicate his performance against Parsons, he will certainly make a statement in the crowded welterweight division.

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