UFC fighter Jacobe Smith, set to compete at UFC Vegas 123, has stated that he has previously wrestled with lightweight champion Islam Makhachev and believes he can outwrestle the Dagestani star. Smith made the assertion in an interview with Uncrowned's Chuck Mindenhall published on October 30, 2026.
The claim adds intrigue to Smith's upcoming appearance at the UFC Apex event, though specific details about when the wrestling sessions occurred or the context of their training were not disclosed in the report. Makhachev, renowned for his sambo-based grappling and dominant ground game, currently holds the UFC lightweight title and is widely considered among the best wrestlers in mixed martial arts.
Smith's confidence in his wrestling ability against a champion of Makhachev's caliber suggests he views his grappling credentials as a significant asset heading into his UFC Vegas 123 bout. The event takes place at the UFC's Las Vegas facility, continuing the promotion's regular schedule of Fight Night cards.
