Elijah Smith edges SuYoung You in competitive UFC Vegas 114 bout

23-year-old prospect Smith wins by unanimous decision over veteran You in bantamweight clash

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:21pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the UFC Vegas 114 prelims, rising bantamweight prospect Elijah Smith defeated veteran SuYoung You by unanimous decision in a closely contested fight. The 23-year-old Smith used his speed, power, and improved takedown defense to outpoint the more experienced You over three rounds.

Why it matters

This win further establishes Smith as a top prospect to watch in the UFC's bantamweight division, as the young American continues to show his potential against seasoned opponents. You's loss snaps his two-fight winning streak, but the South Korean veteran proved he can still compete at the highest level.

The details

Smith (10-1) used his physical advantages, including a significant reach edge, to control much of the striking exchanges. Though You (16-4) had success with his grappling and clinch work at times, Smith was able to stuff takedown attempts and land the cleaner, more damaging blows. The fight was closely contested, with Smith's explosiveness and knockout power proving to be the difference as he secured the unanimous decision victory.

  • The fight took place on March 12, 2026 at UFC Vegas 114 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The players

Elijah Smith

A 23-year-old American bantamweight prospect who has now won three straight fights in the UFC.

SuYoung You

A veteran South Korean bantamweight fighter who had won his previous two UFC bouts before this loss to Smith.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Elijah Smith is a special talent and he proved that again tonight. He has all the tools to be a future champion in this division.”

— Dana White, UFC President

“I knew it was going to be a tough fight against an experienced guy like You, but I believed in my skills and was able to get the job done.”

— Elijah Smith

What’s next

Smith will likely look to take another step up in competition for his next UFC bout, potentially facing a ranked opponent as he continues his climb up the bantamweight ladder. For You, this loss will be a setback, but the veteran will aim to rebound in his next fight and prove he can still compete with the division's top prospects.

The takeaway

Elijah Smith's victory over the seasoned SuYoung You demonstrates the 23-year-old's immense potential as a future contender in the UFC's bantamweight division. Though You put up a tough fight, Smith's combination of speed, power, and improving grappling proved to be the difference in a closely contested battle.