Jimmy Smith is a popular MMA color commentator and personality, aswell as having a unique path in martial arts. In commentary he has worked for many leagues including M1-Global, Bodog Fight, and for Bellator since the early mid 2000's.

From 2007 - 2008, Smith along with Doug Anderson were the centre figures for Discovery Channel's "Fight Quest", a well received series where they travel the world, exploring many indigenous martial arts styles and cultures, before engaging in a fight challenge at the end of each episode.

 
Smith grew up outside of Fresno, California. His grandfather was a boxer in the United States Army. Smith began his fighting career during high school on the wrestling team. He studied history at UCLA and he participated in the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu club there. After graduating in 2000 he became a mathematics teacher. 

Smith ranks as black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Ricardo "Rey" Diogo, and holds many Brazilian Jiu-jitsu titles, including the Joe Moreira-Tournament Lightweight Championship, Copa Pacifica-Tournament Welterweight Championship, the Cleber Luciano-Tournament Welterweight Championship and the Paragon-Tournament Championship. Smith also placed third in the Southern California Submission Pro-Am and the 2003 Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Open.

 In 2001 he had his first pro MMA fight where he represented Team Punishment of Huntington Beach, California, in 2001. 

Smith holds a notable win over TUF winner and UFC veteran James Wilks by leg lock.

Having been well received and praised by the MMA community and it's pundits, he has also received ominations at the annual "World MMA awards". As of 2018, Smith now works for the UFC as a color commentator,  where he made his debut at UFC 221 in Australia alongside Jon Anik.