TLDR
- Josiah Harrell replaces injured Seok Hyeon Ko to fight Jacobe Smith at UFC Houston on February 21
- Harrell was forced to withdraw from his original 2023 UFC debut after being diagnosed with a rare brain disease
- Both fighters enter the welterweight bout with perfect 11-0 records
- Smith has won both UFC fights by finish, including knockouts of Preston Parsons and Nico Price
- Harrell won three fights in 2025 and finished Bekmyrza Dosmatov by knockout in January
Sources: tapology.com | mmafighting.com
Josiah Harrell will finally make his UFC debut after a three-year wait when he steps in on short notice to fight Jacobe Smith at UFC Houston next week. The promotion announced Friday that Harrell is replacing an injured Seok Hyeon Ko for the welterweight bout scheduled for February 21.
Harrell’s path to the UFC has been anything but typical. The 27-year-old fighter was originally signed to the promotion almost three years ago and booked to face Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 290 in July 2023.
However, a pre-fight medical examination revealed a rare brain disease. Harrell was forced to withdraw just one day before the event, casting doubt on his fighting future.
Return to Action in 2025
After medical clearance, Harrell returned to competition in 2025 with three straight victories. His comeback included a first-round submission of UFC veteran Melvin Guillard.
The Grove City, Ohio native kept his momentum going in January with a knockout victory over Bekmyrza Dosmatov at an LFA event. Harrell, who fights under the nickname “Muscle Hamster,” has won all but one of his 11 fights by knockout or submission.
Harrell now gets his UFC opportunity with just over a week’s notice. He will face Smith, another undefeated prospect who has made an immediate impact in the promotion.
🚨UFC HOUSTON FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT🚨
Jacobe Smith vs Josiah Harrell at UFC Houston on February 21st.
3 rounds at Welterweight.
Seok Hyeon Ko is OUT. ❌
Drop your predictions 👇#UFCHouston pic.twitter.com/8POVOwmd2w
— Violent Rounds (@Violent_Rounds) February 13, 2026
Smith’s Impressive UFC Start
Smith brings an identical 11-0 record into the matchup. The 30-year-old Dallas fighter earned his UFC contract through the Contender Series in 2024.
His octagon debut could not have gone better. Smith knocked out Preston Parsons in just 73 seconds, announcing his arrival with a stunning performance.
Smith followed up that highlight with another finish at UFC 317. He submitted veteran Nico Price in the second round, proving he could win in multiple ways.
The welterweight trains at American Kickboxing Academy in California. He also works with coaches at Fortis MMA, developing a well-rounded skill set that has served him well in his young career.
Both fighters stand 5’10” tall and typically weigh around 170-171 pounds. However, Smith holds a reach advantage of 72 inches compared to Harrell’s 67-inch reach.
The bout is scheduled for the main card at Toyota Center in Houston. Former middleweight champion Sean Strickland headlines the event against surging contender Anthony Hernandez in a 185-pound bout.
Other featured fights on the card include Geoff Neal versus Uros Medic at welterweight and Dan Ige taking on Manuel Costa at featherweight. Heavyweight Serghei Spivac faces Ante Delija in another main card matchup.
The event will stream on Paramount+ starting at 5:00 PM ET. Smith versus Harrell is listed as the 10th fight on a 14-bout card.
Harrell steps into the bout as a replacement for Ko, who was forced to withdraw due to injury. The South Korean fighter’s withdrawal opened the door for Harrell to finally realize his UFC dream after years of waiting.
Both fighters have finished the majority of their opponents inside the distance. Smith has six knockouts and three submissions on his record, while Harrell has stopped 10 of his 11 opponents.
