Elijah Smith Knocks Out Davey Grant in 60 Seconds
Smith earns his second Performance of the Night bonus and says he is now a free agent in contract talks with the UFC.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
Elijah Smith knocked out Davey Grant in 60 seconds at UFC Vegas 124 on Saturday, November 7, 2026, becoming the first man to finish Grant. The win was Smith's second Performance of the Night bonus.
Why it matters
Smith's finish improves his undefeated record inside the Octagon and reflects a fourth fight under his four-fight UFC deal. He announced he is a free agent, setting up contract negotiations with the promotion.
Smith has three finishes in four UFC wins, while Davey Grant had competed 17 times in the Octagon before this bout. The terms of Smith's next contract have not been disclosed, and his talks with UFC matchmaker Hunter Campbell remain ongoing.
The players
Elijah Smith
A 24-year-old UFC fighter who has built an undefeated record inside the Octagon and who is now seeking a new contract.
Davey Grant
A veteran UFC fighter with 17 Octagon outings who lost to Smith by first-round knockout in this bout.
Hunter Campbell
The UFC matchmaker responsible for booking fighters' bouts and who Smith spoke with about his contract after the fight.
The details
Smith landed a strike within the first 60 seconds of the opening round to finish Grant at UFC Vegas 124. During his post-fight interview, Smith announced he is a free agent and said he expects a contract improvement or something big to come out of his talks with Campbell.
Timeline
November 7, 2026: Smith knocks out Grant at UFC Vegas 124.
November 8, 2026: Reports on Smith's free agent status and contract talks are published.
Season Trajectory
Smith's free agency at the conclusion of his four-fight UFC deal places him at the point where the promotion must either re-sign him or let him test the open market. His second Performance of the Night bonus and a likely main card spot on a numbered event would strengthen his leverage in those talks.
Smith's free agency means fantasy and betting audiences should watch for a new UFC contract or booking announcement that could place him on a numbered event main card. Fans tracking his record should note he has three finishes in four UFC wins.
The takeaway
Smith's rapid finish and public push for a better deal show how fighters with strong finishing records can use momentum to reshape their UFC careers. Fans should watch how his contract talks develop over the coming weeks.
What happens next
Smith is expected to hold contract talks with UFC matchmaker Hunter Campbell, though no date has been set for an announcement.
Further reading
Explore more Mixed Martial Arts coverage for context on fighter contracts and UFC event results.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bloody Elbow.
