Cameron Smotherman is stepping in on short notice to fight Jake Hadley at UFC Vegas 99, replacing Brady Hiestand, and aims to make an impact in the octagon after a notable pre-UFC career.
Cameron Smotherman is taking a big leap. Less than a week’s notice? Bold move. Sources confirmed to MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck that Smotherman (11-4) will replace Brady Hiestand this Saturday at UFC Vegas 99. Hiestand’s reason for withdrawal? Still a mystery.
MMA Mania broke the news first about this new bantamweight showdown. Smotherman, just 27, has mostly fought under Fury FC’s banner. His only detour? A stint on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he faced Charalampos Grigoriou. The result? A swift 60-second TKO loss. Ouch.
Calling his pre-UFC journey “eventful” might be an understatement. Missed Fists headlines? He’s got a few! There was that memorable rant against a judge, a comeback reminiscent of Tyson Fury after nearly getting KO’d, and a flying knee that saved his title hopes. Now, he’s ready to shake things up in the octagon.
On the flip side, Jake Hadley hasn’t had it easy either. During his time on the Contender Series, he missed weight but still snagged a contract after beating Mitch Raposo in a flyweight bout. Weight issues? They persist. He missed weight again for a bantamweight fight with Caolan Loughran but won regardless. His UFC record: 3-3.
This matchup promises fireworks. Who knows what surprises await? Keep your eyes peeled for UFC Vegas 99!