Bantamweights Toshiomi Kazama and Charalampos Grigoriou faced off at UFC Vegas 95, each man in search of their first UFC win.
While Japan’s Kazama had been knocked out in his first two UFC bouts, Cyprus’ Grigoriou had only lost a decision in his debut after his DWCS win. With both men looking for their first UFC win, this bout had the highest of stakes in their minds, even if not those of the fans.
Kazama shot a takedown in the opening seconds but only managed to push his foe against the fence. After holding him there for a while, Kazama landed a knee which may have been illegal, with Grigoriou’s hand on the mat. Jason Herzog paused the fight while the commentary debated the legality of the knee; Charalampos’ hand was coming up right as the knee landed. When the fight restarted they were at distance but again Toshiomi shot, this time transitioning to the back. He had the back almost fully but made a mistake by giving up the position to hunt for an arm bar, allowing Grigoriou to get on top. However, Kazama executed a half-guard sweep and got on top, where the round ended.
Grigoriou came out swinging to start round two and hurt Kazama badly. Kazama almost got a takedown but Charalampos shook him off and got back to his assault. The Cypresian fighter dropped his foe and pounced on top with elbows. Jason Herzog warned Kazama to defend and he did just enough to stay alive as Grigoriou wore himself out. While he rested, clearly exhausted, Toshiomi Kazama locked up a triangle choke. Grigoriou was so tired that he tapped almost right away.
Despite his battered face, Kazama radiated joy after earning his first UFC win with slick grappling skills.
Official Result: Toshiomi Kazama def. Charalampos Grigoriou by submission (triangle choke), Round 2, 1:55
