Simon’s Wrestling Kept Smotherman’s Short-Notice Upset Bid
Ricky Simon defeated Cameron Smotherman by unanimous decision at UFC Atlanta on June 14, 2025. Scores of 30–27, 30–27 and 29–28 rewarded Simon after three rounds at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
An injury changed the matchup during fight week
Simon had originally been scheduled to face Charles Jourdain. The UFC announced Jourdain’s withdrawal through injury on June 10 and confirmed Smotherman as the replacement.
The late switch kept Simon on the card while giving Smotherman another rapid turnaround. The newcomer had competed against Serhiy Sidey in May and accepted his third UFC assignment little more than a month afterward.
Simon relied on experience and grappling
Rather than pursuing an uncontrolled striking battle, Simon leaned on his wrestling to dictate the contest. His ability to bring the action into grappling exchanges limited the replacement opponent’s opportunities to build momentum.
The approach produced a full-distance victory without the dramatic finish Simon had delivered in his preceding appearance. Every judge nevertheless favored him after the final horn.
The result completed a second successful 2025 assignment
Simon had knocked out Javid Basharat in February, ending a three-fight losing streak. The Atlanta decision made it consecutive wins and brought his UFC record to ten victories against five defeats.
Smotherman had begun his promotional run by defeating Jake Hadley before losing to Sidey. Against Simon, his short-notice opportunity ended in another decision loss, while the veteran continued rebuilding through a controlled performance against a newly assigned opponent.
Sources
- UFC: Jourdain withdrawal and replacement announcement
- UFC: wrestling approach, official scores and second 2025 win
- MMA Fighting: Smotherman’s prior two UFC appearances
- UFC: Basharat knockout and career results
