Devonte Smith


Devonte Smith is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Smith started training mixed martial arts around the age of 14 after seeing Quinton Jackson fight in PRIDE. He attended Bedford High School where he wrestled every year.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

After compiling an amateur record of 7–2–1, Smith started his professional MMA career in 2015 and fought primarily in Ohio. He amassed a record of 7–1 before competing in Dana White's Contender Series web-series program.

Dana White's Contender Series

Smith appeared in Dana White's Contender Series 16 on August 7, 2018, facing Joseph Lowry. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Smith made his UFC debut on November 10, 2018, against Julian Erosa at UFC Fight Night: The Korean Zombie vs. Rodríguez. He won the fight via knockout in round one.
His next fight came on February 9, 2019, at UFC 234 against Dong Hyun Ma. He won the fight via technical knockout in round one. The win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus.
Smith was scheduled to face John Makdessi on August 17, 2019, at UFC 241. However, it was reported on July 30 that Makdessi was forced to withdraw for undisclosed reasons. Returning veteran Clay Collard was briefly linked as the replacement. In turn, Collard was removed from the bout during the week leading up to the event due to an undisclosed medical issue and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Khama Worthy. He lost the fight via technical knockout in round one.
Smith was expected to face Alex da Silva Coelho on February 6, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 184. However, Coelho pulled out due to undisclosed reasons, and was replaced by Justin Jaynes. Smith won the fight via technical knockout in round two.
Smith faced Jamie Mullarkey on October 2, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 193. He lost the fight via technical knockout in round two.
Smith was scheduled to face Erick Gonzalez on March 5, 2022, at UFC 272. However, Gonzalez was forced to withdraw from the event due to foot injuries and was replaced by Ľudovít Klein. Smith lost the fight via split decision.
In May 2022, it was reported that Smith was released by the UFC.

Personal life

While preparing for his fight against Khama Worthy, Smith's sister Dariene was killed by a stray bullet in Columbus, Ohio, on July 11, 2020.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

  • Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • *Performance of the Night

    Mixed martial arts record