Gilbert Smith is not going to let his son Elijah Smith skip steps during his UFC career.
UFC veteran Gilbert is the proud father of just the second, second-generation fighter in company history in Elijah (9-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC), who at 22, is arguably one of the brightest prospects in the sport.
Elijah showed why he has so much hype around his name earlier this month at UFC on ESPN 72, when he pulled off one of the most brutal slam knockout wins to ever unfold inside the octagon. Elijah has quickly gained traction after being awarded a UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, but his father Gilbert, who is guiding his career, said they have nothing but time.
Although Elijah could push for tougher competition after such a viral win, Gilbert said that’s not the play when there are still two fights remaining on the first promotional contract.
“The fight has to match the pay,” Gilbert told MMA Junkie Radio. “Right now we’re sitting at the first contract pay, which is relatively small. So we’re not looking to fight some killer and make pennies on it. It’s not just a sport, but a business. Not just for the UFC, but for us. We’ve got to fight guys on our level that make sense for the pay we’re getting.
“We’re not trying to do anything crazy just yet. He’s 22. He’s got a lot of time to grow and move up in the sport, but sooner or later, Elijah is going to move up the rankings, he’s going to get that main event status and one day, God willing, he’ll get that championship belt.”
Elijah said his mindset is aligned with the career trajectory his father has mapped out. Gilbert said it’s important to focus on doing “all our losing in the gym,” because then they will be ready for any scenario that occurs inside the octagon, where the stakes are highest and mistakes must be avoided.
It’s a philosophy that Elijah has fully bought in on, he said, and ultimately as his career progresses, he will be comfortable with each step forward.
“I would like to say I’m good,” Elijah said. “I’m good right now now, but not as good as those ranked guys right now. There’s definitely levels to the game, and when my time comes, I’ll be ready.”
