Next Generation

Smith is the son of UFC veteran Gilbert Smith, who went 13-6 across two TUF stints. Elijah began wrestling at age five and was a two-time high school state qualifier. He initially planned to play JUCO football in California until COVID-19 hit, at which point he turned his focus to MMA training under his father's eye.

His first two amateur fights lasted a combined 22 seconds.

Smith won Dana White's Contender Series Season 8 in September 2024, earning a unanimous decision win over Aaron Tau to secure a UFC contract at age 21. He made his official UFC debut in February 2025, defeating veteran Vince Morales by decision. A slam TKO of Toshiomi Kazama at UFC Fight Night in August 2025 followed — and then a submission of Suyoung You in March 2026. Three fights. Three wins.

Smith is 10-1 overall and ranked #49 in the UFC bantamweight division as of mid-2026, on an active winning streak of six. His father Gilbert serves as cornerman and coach. At 23, he is one of the UFC's most intriguing prospects — blending his wrestling base with polished boxing and a developing submission game (4-stripe purple belt in BJJ).

Smith is a fast, explosive combo-striker who transitions seamlessly from stand-up to clinch to the mat. His wrestling pedigree is natural — explosive entries, body control, and submission awareness. His nickname 'The Swift' speaks to both his physical speed and his rate of finishes: three first-round finishes in his first six pro fights.

A second-generation MMA fighter and already a father himself — he has a five-year-old child. Outside training he enjoys making music, playing volleyball and football, and going on hikes. He is the second youngest of four siblings. He previously worked at a car dealership before fighting became his career.