With UFC 317 fast approaching, the welterweight clash between Niko “The Hybrid” Price and Jacobe “Cobe” Smith is set to put Smith’s undefeated record on the line. Scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 2025, at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, this matchup features an experienced opponent for Smith, who is looking to move to 2-0 since joining UFC. Here, I will break down this fight and make my Niko Price vs Jacobe Smith prediction for Saturday night.
Our Niko Price vs Jacobe Smith Pick
- Pick: Jacobe Smith via decision
- Confidence: ★★★★☆
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Tale of the Tape
| Niko Price | Jacobe Smith | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 35 | 29 |
| Reach | 76″ | 72″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Record | 16‑8‑0 (2 NC) | 10‑0‑0 |
Niko Price vs Jacobe Smith Preview
Niko Price enters this fight off a 1-1 2024 that included a win over Alex Morono and a loss to Themba Gorimbo. Known for his striking power, Price has 10 knockouts and 3 submissions out of his 16 career wins. He is a dangerous veteran who can end fights suddenly. Price, 35, offers experience and finishing ability but has suffered frequent setbacks, losing three of his last four fights and entering this bout as a sizable underdog.
Jacobe Smith, 29, has yet to lose a fight in his pro MMA career. Undefeated in the UFC and overall, his wrestling and cardio are significant strengths. Training out of Dallas and Fortis MMA, he has dismantled opponents with pressure and effective striking, winning eight of his 10 fights by knockout. His southpaw stance poses stylistic challenges, and it would be the biggest upset of UFC 317 if he failed to pick up another win in this fight.
Betting Insights
- Smith is a heavy favorite, priced at −2100 at DraftKings Sportsbook. Price is a +1100 underdog. These numbers indicate the expectation for Smith to dominate this fight.
- The over/under for this fight is set at 1.5 rounds, juiced to -238 to the under. The over is priced at +180 for those who think Price can hang around.
- Smith is priced at an eye-popping -330 to win this fight by knockout, while a decision win for the unbeaten fighter is +700.
Niko Price vs Jacobe Smith Prediction
This fight feels like a stylistic mismatch. Smith’s striking and cardio should allow him to control range and pace, avoiding Price’s power. His southpaw stance adds difficulty for Price’s defense, limiting counters. Price must land early to have a realistic chance, a tall order against a fighter who has been able to secure strikes and takedowns at will.
Expect Smith to dictate with takedowns, smart ground-and-pound, and his striking as well. Price may land a few shots, but not enough to turn the tide. While a Smith Knockout is widely considered to be the most likely outcome in this fight, we will bet on Smith to win by decision at a huge +700, as he should extend his unbeaten run without too much trouble.
