LAS VEGAS – Elijah Smith finds himself in an unusual situation, but he's optimistic everything will work out in his favor.
Despite having a 3-0 start in the UFC and being considered one of the more interesting prospects at 135 pounds, Smith (10-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) is set to compete in the final fight of his current UFC contract this Saturday on the main card of UFC Fight Night 293 (Paramount+). Smith takes on gritty veteran Davey Grant (16-8 MMA, 9-7 UFC). Usually, fighters with promise and good records get a new deal before they can become a free agent, but that won't be the case for Smith.
"After this fight, I'm a free agent," Smith said at the UFC Fight Night 293 media day. "I haven't been talked to about redoing my contract, but that's the last
thing I'm worrying about. I worry about the fight. But yeah, this is my last fight on my contract. It's no secret. We'll see what happens. I'm always excited for the future, but I have to be present for Saturday night. I want to go out there and go get a win in emphatic fashion, and I hope that solidifies myself a new contract."
Like many fans, Smith was surprised not to be approached about a new UFC contract ahead of his final fight. Either way, the focus is on defeating Grant, and the contract situation will sort itself out.
"I am surprised a little bit, but I can't let that cloud my mind," Smith said. "I'm confident that we're going to get a new contract, but I need to go out there and go win first. Every fight is an important fight."
The 24-year-old Smith is on an eight-fight winning streak. His two most recent outings were finishes, with one being a brutal slam knockout of Toshiomi Kazama, which earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. Smith is confident he can replicate something special this Saturday.
"I have to win," Smith said. "I can't go out there and force it; I just have to let it come to me. I feel like every time you try to force something, it never comes. I just need to go out there and be Elijah Smith and be exciting. I always have, I always will be, and fight fans love me, and I love fight fans. I love putting on shows and putting on performances, memorable ones."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Elijah Smith surprised contract wasn't renewed ahead of UFC Fight Night 293
