Elijah Smith made an emphatic statement for a new contract at UFC Fight Night 293.

Smith (11-1 MMA, 4-0 UFC), who is one of the brightest prospects in the bantamweight division, was confused why he wasn't offered an extension coming into the final bout of his deal against Davey Grant (17-9 MMA, 9-8 UFC) on Saturday at Meta APEX in Las Vegas.

He should have a little more negotiating power on his side now, though, because the second-generation UFC fight absolutely flattened Grant with a huge series of punches for the knockout at the 1:00 mark of Round 1.

Check out the replay of the highlight-reel ending below (via X):

Smith, 24, was thrilled by what he delivered in a pressure-filled moment. He's now ready to get into bigger business at 135 pounds.

"I knew I could do it. He's a crafty vet, and I had to stay sharp and believe in myself," Smith said in his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping. "Sean (Shelby), Hunter (Campbell), I'm a free agent. That's been the talks around all this whole fight week. I'll be talking to you guys shortly. Talk to me."

Up-to-the-minute UFC Fight Night 293 results:

• Elijah Smith def. Davey Grant via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:00