Jacobe Smith Defends Coach Daniel Cormier Amid Commentary Criticism

Undefeated prospect Jacobe Smith is set for the biggest fight of his career this Saturday when he meets veteran Randy Brown in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 123. Stepping in on less than two weeks' notice as an injury replacement for Carlos Leal, the 30-year-old took time ahead of the bout to address recent criticism directed at his coach, former two-division champion and UFC color commentator Daniel Cormier.

Cormier faced scrutiny for his commentary work at UFC 333, with light heavyweight Dominick Reyes being particularly vocal about the former champion's remarks. Speaking to MMA Fighting, Smith defended Cormier, suggesting that his detractors are simply venting personal frustrations. "They’re just dealing with a phase in their career where things ain’t going 100 percent like they [want]," Smith said. "I guarantee you, [if] they sat down face to face with them, they would understand how good of a guy [Cormier] is." Smith added that Cormier always carries himself with exceptional professionalism, even in overwhelming public situations.

Smith, who is 4-0 in the UFC with all four wins coming via stoppage, noted that he also deals with his own share of online negativity despite his spotless record. "I’m out here knocking people out winning and they’re talking shit... you just got to let it be, blow it in the wind," Smith said.

Ahead of Saturday's co-headliner, Smith holds plenty of respect for Brown, who is coming off a decision loss to Kevin Holland at UFC 327 in April. Though the two have trained together in the past, Smith is focused on taking a major step forward in the division.