Japan’s Toshiomi Kazama faced off against Elijah Smith in bantamweight action at UFC Vegas 109.
Smith, the son of UFC veteran Gilbert Smith (an Ultimate Fighter alum who had also competed for Bellator MMA and LFA), was looking for his second straight win in the promotion.
Kazama went right out and clinched up with Smith, however after getting some semblance of back control, he fell off and wound up on his back. On top, Smith was drilling Kazama with punches, but Toshiomi wound up latching on to a leg, and soon had a toe hold in place. Smith defensed, survived, and got out of danger. Once again in control, Smith battered Kazama with more punches.
Smith would spend a solid couple of minutes on top, with Kazama hunting for submissions off his back. Elijah Smith was able to land a decent amount of damage, but it all came crashing to an halt for Kazama moments later. Kazama went for a triangle, and Smith hoisted him up, slamming him down Rampage Jackson style! Kazama was done at that point, but the ref wasn’t in quick enough, and Smith added a blow that sent his opponent from dazed and confused to unconscious.
Kazama did regain consciousness in the cage, and his next stop will be the hospital to get checked over. “From start to finish, I knew I had the ability to keep up with the guy on the ground,” Smith said following the fight, after paying his respects to Kazama.
Official Result: Elijah Smith def. Toshimoi Kazama by KO (slam), Round 1, 4:10
