The UFC has handed a promising, unbeaten fighter, Josiah Harrell, a rare second chance, booking him on the upcoming UFC Houston card after a medical issue derailed his first opportunity nearly three years ago.
This new matchup has become one of the most emotional stories heading into the February 21 event at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
From Heartbreak to a Spot Back on the UFC Roster
Back in July 2023, welterweight prospect Josiah Harrell, then newly signed to the promotion, was poised to make his official UFC debut against former champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 290.
However, a routine pre-fight medical exam uncovered a rare neurological condition, forcing Harrell out of the bout just days before it was to take place.
The diagnosis came as a crushing blow. At the time, Harrell had trained intensely for months in preparation for his first Octagon appearance.
But a condition that affected his brain health meant he couldn’t compete, and the fight was canceled on short notice.
For many fighters, such an alarming medical issue could spell the end of a career before it even begins — especially in a sport as physically demanding as mixed martial arts.
In Harrell’s case, that moment could have defined his future in combat sports. But rather than fade into history, he took a different route.
Rebuilding the Path to the UFC
After being sidelined, Harrell didn’t hang up his gloves. Instead, he returned to competition outside the UFC and worked hard to prove he still belonged at the elite level.
Between 2025 and 2026, Harrell accumulated several wins under other banners, including a fast, decisive submission over veteran Melvin Guillard and a knockout victory at an LFA (Legacy Fighting Alliance) event in January 2026.
His performances were impressive not just because of the victories themselves, but due to the manner in which they came.
Harrell, nicknamed “Muscle Hamster,” has finished nearly every fight by either knockout or submission, a testament to his offensive skills and determination in the cage.
These strong results did not go unnoticed by UFC matchmakers or fans, ultimately leading to his re-signing and the opportunity to finally debut on the big stage.
A New Opponent, A New Chance
Harrell’s comeback fight will put him against Jacobe Smith, another rising star who remains undefeated.
Smith, who earned his way into the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024, has made waves since his debut.
He scored a knockout victory in just 73 seconds in his first UFC fight and followed up with a second-round submission of seasoned veteran Nico Price.
The matchup between Harrell and Smith promises to be a compelling clash of unbeaten fighters one with something to prove and the other riding early success in the organization.
Their bout adds meaningful depth to the welterweight lineup on the Houston card and provides fans with an exciting showdown to watch.
UFC Houston: What You Need to Know
The UFC Houston event, taking place on February 21, features a diverse card topped by a main event between former middleweight champion Sean Strickland and contender Anthony Hernandez.
With several intriguing fights lined up, including Harrell vs. Smith, ticket holders and viewers worldwide are in for an action-packed night of mixed martial arts.
The venue, the Toyota Center, is expected to be electric, with fans eager to see how this long-anticipated debut plays out.
Why This Story Matters
Harrell’s return to the UFC represents more than just another fight announcement.
It highlights the unpredictable nature of combat sports where an athlete can go from medical setback to renewed opportunity with grit and resilience.
In an industry where careers are frequently influenced by injuries, Harrell’s journey underscores the importance of perseverance.
It also reflects the UFC’s willingness to give talented fighters another chance when circumstances beyond their control affect their career paths.
For fans, this narrative injects extra drama and personal significance into what might otherwise have been a routine fight announcement.
It’s a storyline that reminds us that behind every athlete is a human being with challenges, hopes, and the drive to compete at the highest level.