Josiah Harrell has shared a medical update after his devastating loss at UFC Houston. The unbeaten welterweight suffered a first-round knockout against Jacobe Smith on Saturday night. Critics attacked the referee for a very late stoppage at the Toyota Center.
Doctors sent Harrell to hospital after the fight. UFC president Dana White called the knockout one of the worst he has ever seen. He said Harrell needed a long time to recover but appeared stable. Officials monitored him throughout the night.
On Sunday, Harrell confirmed the extent of his injuries on social media. He revealed several facial fractures but stayed positive about his future. He thanked supporters and promised to return.
The defeat raised extra concern because of his medical history. In 2023, scans before his planned UFC debut uncovered a rare brain condition. Doctors cancelled the fight and performed a nine-hour operation to prevent clots and strokes.
Harrell returned to competition in 2025. He earned three straight wins to secure another UFC opportunity. The debut ended in a heavy knockout, but he is expected to fight again once he recovers.
