Jacobe Smith Bloodies Randy Brown, Grinds Out Hard-Fought Decision Win. Jacobe Smith continues his unbeaten run with a dominant unanimous decision victory over Randy Brown in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 123 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas
The UFC welterweight division gets an intriguing matchup on Saturday, October 31, as veteran Randy Brown takes Vegas, Nevada in the co-main event. The three-round contest is part of the UFC Vegas 123 card, headlined by Renato Moicano and Tom Nolan. Brown was originally scheduled to face Carlos Leal, but Smith stepped in as a late replacement after Leal withdrew because of an injury.
Brown enters the contest with a professional record of 20-8 and plenty of UFC experience. The Jamaican-born fighter, nicknamed ‘Rude Boy’, has shared the Octagon with several established names in the welterweight division. However, he comes into this matchup looking to end a two-fight losing streak following defeats against Gabriel Bonfim and Kevin Holland.
Smith has wasted little time making an impression since joining the UFC. A former Oklahoma State wrestler, he combines explosive takedowns, powerful ground strikes and improving stand-up skills. Three of his four UFC victories have come in the opening round. His most recent appearance came at UFC 332 on October 3, where he stopped Bruce Whitehead by first-round knockout just 1:32 into the contest. That victory extended his unbeaten record.
Brown looks to use his reach advantage early, keeping Smith at distance with jabs and kicks. Smith works his way forward with leg kicks, targeting Brown’s lead leg and looking for an opening to close the distance. With around 90 seconds remaining, Smith secures a powerful double-leg takedown. He settles into top position and works short strikes to Brown’s body, while Brown focuses on defending from his back and preventing Smith from building a more damaging attack. Smith maintains control through the final moments of the round, establishing the wrestling advantage that shapes the rest of the fight.
Smith comes forward again at the start of the second round, landing a strong left hand before bringing Brown to the canvas with another takedown. Brown uses his rubber guard to limit Smith’s offense from the top, but Smith works through the position and begins landing elbows. Brown attempts to create an opening for an armbar, yet Smith avoids the submission and continues striking from above. A sharp elbow opens a cut on Brown’s head, with blood beginning to flow as Smith keeps working from top position. Brown continues to defend and search for a way out, but Smith maintains control until the horn.
Brown needs a finish or a dramatic turnaround entering the final round, but Smith continues to pressure forward. He lands another takedown with just over three minutes remaining and works from top position. Smith uses elbows and body shots while Brown tries to create submission opportunities from the bottom. Brown makes several attempts to escape, but Smith stays on top and keeps the fight where he wants it. Smith’s control and ground strikes carry him through the final horn, leaving Brown unable to turn the contest around
“It just solidifies the greatness and the hard work with the people I surround myself with,” Smith said about his latest win. “I just feel like I’m good everywhere and I can do whatever. Dallas, what’s up baby? Give me somebody. Ya’ll got [Gabriel] Bonfim? Sean Brady?
Smith keeps his undefeated record intact and adds a statement win over a UFC veteran. Brown’s reach and striking remain difficult to establish against Smith’s repeated takedowns and top control. With the victory, Smith strengthens his position in the welterweight division and makes a case for a step up in competition.
Check out UFC Vegas 123 results below.
Main Card
Tom Nolan def. Renato Moicano via third-round TKO (1:28)
Jacobe Smith def. Randy Brown via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)
Cody Durden def. Ode Osbourne via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Luana Santos def. Yana Santos via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
Jean-Paul Lebosnoyani def. Farman Hasanov via third-round TKO (2:11, doctor’s stoppage)
Preliminary Card
Dakota Hope def. Francis Marshall via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
Rodrigo Sezinando def. Theodor Berggren via second-round TKO (5:00, doctor’s stoppage)
Julian Erosa def. Jeong Yeong Lee via knockout (punches) at 1:31, R1
Zachary Reese def. Mickey Gall via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
Joe Kropschot def. Nick Klein via submission (armbar) at 1:25, R2
Piera Rodriguez def. Talita Alencar via unanimous decision (30-27. 30-27, 30-27)
Lucia Szabova def. Tainara Lisboa via TKO (ground strikes) at 3:20, R3
