UFC Houston: Jacobe Smith vs. Josiah Harrell Predictions & Odds

Pat Sabatini, top, grapples with Chepe Mariscal, bottom, during the third round of a featherweight bout at the UFC 322.
(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
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The fight between undefeated welterweight contenders Jacobe Smith and Josiah Harrell will be part of the UFC Houston card on Feb. 21 inside Toyota Center.

Although both have immaculate pro records, the octagon experience of Smith makes him the considerable betting favorite with -300 UFC odds. Harrell, on the other hand, heads into the bout as the underdog with +240 odds, as he makes his promotional debut.

UFC Houston: Jacobe Smith vs. Josiah Harrell Fight Odds

  • Jacobe Smith: -300
  • Josiah Harrell: +240

UFC Houston: Jacobe Smith vs. Josiah Harrell: Tale of the Tape

Jacobe SmithJosiah Harrell
Age3027
Height5’10”5’7”
Reach72 inches68 inches
Leg Reach39 inchesN/A
Record11-011-0
Fighting StyleFreestyleGrappler
Finishing Rate82%91%

UFC Houston: Jacobe Smith vs. Josiah Harrell: Prediction

I predict a unanimous decision win for Smith because he’s the more aggressive and faster fighter. He uses these assets to break down opponents and fire combinations to inflict significant damage.

Both are well-rounded athletes who can fight on both the striking and grappling sides, but Smith takes the initiative to control the pace of a fight. This allows him to take the match wherever he wants it.

Harrell may be a tough contender, but he usually waits for his opponents to start the action before he adjusts his fight plan accordingly. If he lets Smith dictate the bout, it’ll be a long night for him.

Jacobe Smith’s Recent Fight Results

Smith was an XFL and Fury Fighting standout before he joined Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024. He defeated Christien Savoire via second-round stoppage to secure a roster spot. Then, he kept his intact pro record in the UFC with wins over Preston Parsons and Niko Price.

Josiah Harrell’s Recent Fight Results

Harrell was the former Ohio Combat League titleholder before the UFC signed him this year. His last five victories were against Mike Roberts, Quinton Parks Jr., Melvin Guillard, Kagan Gennrich, and, most recently, Bekmyrza Dosmatov.

UFC Betting at the Online Sportsbook

UFC betting is a unique way to get closer to the action of the world’s biggest fights. And with live betting at the online sportsbook, the betting doesn’t stop when the fighters enter the octagon.

Visit the sportsbook for updated odds, updated sports betting promos — including a sportsbook welcome offer — and more.

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About the Author Read More @AnatolyPimentel

Anatoly Pimentel is an NBA and MMA writer previously featured in ASEAN Sports, Asian Persuasion MMA, and Overtime Heroics MMA. He graduated from Adamson University with a B.A in Communication and is a Web Content Writer for BetMGM.

Anatoly Pimentel is an NBA and MMA writer previously featured in ASEAN Sports, Asian Persuasion MMA, and Overtime Heroics MMA. He graduated from Adamson University with a B.A in Communication and is a Web Content Writer for BetMGM.