Jacobe Smith added to UFC 332 prelims against Bruce Whitehead

Undefeated welterweight Jacobe Smith is reportedly set to meet UFC newcomer Bruce Whitehead on the preliminary card of UFC 332, according to a report that has not been officially confirmed. The bout would be a late addition to the October 3 event at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, and is slated as the second fight of 14 on the card.

Smith, 30, brings a perfect 12-0 record into the matchup. The southpaw from the United States trains at Fortis MMA and stands five-foot-ten with a 72-inch reach. His numbers are striking: he lands 6.89 significant strikes per minute at 67 percent accuracy, and averages 7.78 takedowns per 15 minutes. He also hunts submissions at a rate of 0.7 attempts per 15 minutes, which marks him as a pressure-heavy wrestler who mixes in finishing threats.

Whitehead enters the UFC at 8-2 after a quick path to the promotion. He earned his call-up with a 48-second knockout of Ali Abouzalam at Fury FC 124 on September 20, less than two weeks before the card. That highlight-reel finish is the main reason he is getting a shot against an unbeaten opponent on short notice.

The main event is set for the flyweight title vacated by Valentina Shevchenko, with Natalia Silva facing Wang Cong.

Why it matters

• Smith's unbeaten record and elite takedown volume make him a stern test for a debutant moving up from the regional scene.
• Whitehead's knockout power is his calling card, setting up a clear contrast with Smith's wrestling-heavy approach.
• An early slot on the prelims gives both men exposure on a card headlined by a vacant title fight.

If the matchup is finalized as reported, it will pit a polished, undefeated grappler against a fast-rising finisher making his promotional debut.