Bantamweight prospect Elijah Smith is looking to follow in his father’s footsteps in the UFC. It starts this weekend in Las Vegas at the Apex facility.
Upcoming Debut In Las Vegas is Family Affair For Elijah Smith
After a spectacular run on the regional circuit, which included winning the Colorado Combat Club Bantamweight Championship, Elijah Smith (7-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will step into the Octagon this Saturday at UFC Vegas 102. Earning a UFC contract last September on Dana White’s Contender Series with a unanimous decision victory over Aaron Tau, Smith now finds himself in a new and highly-competitive territory.
However, he will not be making his company debut without the proper guidance, as his father, Gilbert Smith, had previously fought in the UFC, as well as participated in two different stints on The Ultimate Fighter.
First appearing in season 17 of the show, (Gilbert) Smith won his way into the house with a first round submission in the preliminary portion of the tournament. His run ultimately came to a shocking end, though, after he was brutally knocked out by Luke Barnatt in the first round of the bracket with a flying knee. Despite the loss, Smith was still allowed to compete in the UFC on the live finale card, where he was submitted by Bubba McDaniel in the third round.
Gilbert Smith Gets Second Chance at TUF Glory
Four years later, Smith was invited to take part in yet another season of The Ultimate Fighter, fighting in the 17th edition of the competition, whose cast was composed of individuals who had appeared on the show in previous years. Winning his first match over Seth Baczynski, “Midnight Magic” was soundly beaten by Dhiego Lima in the semifinals, leading him to announce his retirement immediately following the bout, eventually giving way to his son, Elijah Smith.
Seasoned Foe Will Test Young Elijah Smith
With his father’s experience to guide him, (Elijah) Smith already has an idea of what to expect when he makes his first walk to the Octagon in a few days. He will need it, as he will be facing his most dangerous opponent to date, the 24-fight veteran Vince Morales.
Currently in the midst of his second go in the UFC, Morales (16-8 MMA, 3-6 UFC) brings to the table his own fair amount of experience in his upcoming scrap with “Swift.” Competing in the promotion from 2018 to 2022, the Idaho native compiled a disappointing company record of 3-5 with notable setbacks to Chris Gutiérrez and Johnathan Martinez. Rebounding impressively, Morales proceeded to win his next five fights before being brought back to the UFC last year at UFC Fight Night 243, where he was beaten by Taylor Lapilus via unanimous decision.
For the debuting Elijah Smith, a matchup with someone of Morale’s caliber might be too tough of an assignment this early into his UFC tenure. But should he manage a win against “Vandetta,” he will surely elevate himself to becoming one of the 135-lb division’s fastest rising stars.