Haiden Deegan chased Jorge Prado for 20 tantalising minutes with an SMX title on the line on the final moto of the year and he took his shot at making contact with Prado in the hope Prado would end up third in the moto to give the American the title!
But a wily Prado hit the brakes and squared the corner well enough to pass Deegan back and seal the SMX World Championship with a final moto clutch win!
DEEGAN TAKES A SHOT ON PRADO @MonsterEnergy 450 Moto 2 LIVE fueled by @PriceCutter 🎥 #SMX #SMXFinal #Ridgedale #Sponsored pic.twitter.com/T3ESDMO8nJ
— SuperMotocross (@supermotocross) September 27, 2026
Jorge said: “One year ago I wasn’t even racing here at the SMX series and I actually didn’t have a ride! Red Bull KTM did an excellent job prepping with myself all winter long, four days a week on thr bike every single week. I bounced back, that’s what I think champions do, they bounce back. Super happy with this title my first title in the States, I’m a four time world champion for a reason and I think I showed this in the last moto when it mattered. It’s not over till it’s over and I showed you guys everything is possible abd I am another tine world champion!
“Leaving everything behind, I was already settked in Europe, it’s just changing my whole life and after a year like last year where nothing was clicking it was probably the worst time of my life it was mentally, I was deeply down. I just got back by working hard. I think that’s what describes me, I am a super hard worker together with the team you can achieve awesome things if both parties agree. This is hard work from both parties and we got a title in the very, very last moto. I thought it was almost over after moto one, then I saw the rain coming but I got a start and did everything perfectly.
“Haiden, I need to say is riding unbelievable in this last moto, we were….I don’t remember many times going that much on the limit to get a race win. I proved myself that I can push through everything and I show you guys I’m again a world champion.”
Deegan said: “I gave it everything I had and, trust me, no-one hates losing more than me. Got the overall today but not a championship and it hurts. Congrats to Jorge and their team they got it done. I’m going to go back to work this off-season and work ny butt off to come oyt swinging in Supercross. This puts a chip on my shoulder and I want one bad. Congrats to their team, today is their day and we will get back to work.”
