Undefeated fighter diagnosed with rare brain disease gets last-minute call for UFC debut in sensational turnaround

Josiah Harrell has got a second UFC shot after his scheduled debut collapsed three years ago in shocking circumstances.

After winning his first seven professional MMA bouts, the American was booked to face soon-to-be UFC champion Jack Della Maddalena in July 2023.

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However, a pre-fight medical check found he had Moyamoya disease — a rare disorder caused by blocked arteries in the brain.

Harrell’s manager Maurice Blanco explained how his fighter never had a head scan before signing with the UFC, something the promotion’s CEO Dana White labelled as ‘insane.’

Nonetheless, Harrell underwent a complex brain surgery in 2024, later telling MMA Junkie how doctors drilled a hole through his skull to thread a vein from outside of it to make his blood flow naturally again.

Over a year after his abrupt health scare, Harrell made a comeback to fighting and scored a second-round stoppage on his return.

It wasn’t long before the 27-year-old won the Ohio Combat League welterweight strap, defeating Kegan Gennrich via unanimous decision.

Harrell then made his second appearance under the Legacy Fighting Alliance banner and scored his 11th consecutive win as a pro in his last fight in January.

Now, ‘The Muscle Hamster’ is preparing for the biggest fight of his life in what has been a remarkable turnaround to compete on the grandest stage of them all.

Josiah Harrell ready to put on a show at UFC Houston

“Long time coming,” the 27-year-old wrote on his Instagram after receiving the good news that he would be facing Jacobe Smith at UFC Houston this weekend.

Smith was originally scheduled to fight Seok Hyun Ko on the Texas card, but the latter pulled out last week with an injury.

“The amount of support I’ve gotten is insane,” Harrell added.

“There’s nothing on this earth I would rather do than bleed for you guys.

“God is good, glory to him. If you feel uncertain or unworthy, please allow Jesus into your heart.

“He changed my life and he could change yours. I love you guys, be ready for a show.

“Over 700,000 people have seen my profile this month. Don’t be shocked when they become followers. Ohio versus the world.”

Harrell faces Smith on the main card of UFC Houston, which is headlined by a middleweight title eliminator between Sean Strickland and Anthony Hernandez.

Serghei Spivac faces Ante Delija in a top-ranked heavyweight bout at the top of the bill, while Geoff Neal, Dan Ige and Michel Pereira all feature on the card.

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For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s full UFC schedule.