Jacobe Smith’s Pressure Finally Broke Through Niko Price’s
Jacobe Smith submitted Niko Price at 4:03 of the second round at UFC 317 on June 28, 2025. The welterweight contest at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas ended with a rear-naked choke, preserving Smith’s unbeaten record in his second UFC appearance.
An early left hook set up heavy top pressure
Price advanced aggressively, but Smith connected with a left hook that sent him backward. Smith then lifted him for a takedown and delivered sustained ground strikes from above.
Price eventually scrambled back to his feet and landed some replies. Smith answered late with a jab and head kick, but the veteran survived to the end of the opening round.
A slower second round still favored the grappler
After the demanding opening pace, Smith again brought Price down by catching a kick. He maintained top position, though his offense was less intense than it had been earlier.
When Price worked toward his knees, Smith followed the scramble to the back. He secured the rear-naked choke and forced the tap before the second round expired.
The result extended a successful UFC introduction
Smith had debuted in January with a knockout of Preston Parsons at 1:13 of the first round. The submission of Price supplied a different route to his second promotional win and moved him to 11–0 overall.
Price brought extensive UFC experience, having competed in the promotion since 2016. He tested Smith beyond the first round, but could not consistently escape the younger fighter’s wrestling and positional pressure.
Sources
- UFC: June 28 Las Vegas venue, finish times and judges’ scores
- Cageside Press: left hook, early top pressure, caught kick and back take
- UFC: January Parsons knockout and Price submission
- UFC: 11–0 record after two successful 2025 appearances
