Elijah Smith caught off guard by UFC snub as his own contract runs out.© NDTV Photo Library
Elijah Smith says he was surprised the UFC did not approach him about a new contract before the final fight of his current deal. The unbeaten bantamweight will become a free agent after facing Davey Grant at UFC Vegas 124 in Las Vegas on Saturday. Smith, 24, is 10-1 and 3-0 in the UFC. He has won eight straight fights and has five knockouts and two submissions on his professional record. Smith says he wants to stay with the UFC but is open to hearing offers from other promotions. A win over Grant would give him four consecutive UFC victories and strengthen his case for a new deal.
Elijah Smith faces UFC contract uncertainty ahead of crucial showdown
Elijah Smith said he cannot let the contract situation affect his preparation. He believes a strong performance against Grant will give the UFC a reason to bring him back.
“I haven’t been talked to about redoing my contract,” Smith said at media day. “After this fight, I’m a free agent. I haven’t been talked to about redoing my contract, but that’s the last thing I’m worrying about.”
“I’m confident that we’re going to get a new contract, but I need to go out there and go win first,” he said. “Every fight is an important fight.”
Davey Grant is 16-8 and 9-7 in the UFC. The British veteran has fought some of the division’s biggest names and represents a major step up for Smith.
Smith announces his arrival with a brutal UFC debut
Elijah Smith earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024. He beat Vince Morales on debut, then knocked out Toshiomi Kazama with a slam at UFC Vegas 109 in August 2025.
He followed that with a second-round submission of SuYoung You at UFC Fight Night in March. Smith has won all three UFC fights and has finished two of them.
Smith is the son of former UFC fighter Gilbert Smith. He turned professional in 2022 and has built an eight-fight winning streak.
Farid Basharat’s UFC exit rumours put Smith’s contract situation in focus
Smith’s situation comes after reports that Farid Basharat was not offered a new UFC deal despite winning his final contracted fight. Smith said the news made him pay attention but did not change his mindset.
He has promised a bonus-worthy performance against Grant. Smith said he wants either Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night and believes a decisive win will secure his future.
A victory would make Smith 4-0 in the UFC and move him closer to the bantamweight rankings. But with his contract expiring, the UFC will have to decide whether to keep one of its most promising young fighters.
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