Elijah Smith Stuns UFC Vegas 109 with Rampage-Style KO Slam on Toshiomi Kazama

Elijah Smith delivered one of the most jaw-dropping moments of 2025 inside the Octagon, securing a thunderous Rampage Jackson-style knockout slam over Japan’s Toshiomi Kazama at UFC Vegas 109. The bout, held on August 8 at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, showcased Smith’s raw power, composure under pressure, and ability to capitalize on a fight-ending opportunity.

The son of UFC veteran Gilbert Smith, Elijah entered the bantamweight clash looking for his second consecutive win in the promotion. From the opening bell, Kazama pressed forward, clinching early and searching for dominant positioning. But a failed back control attempt left him underneath Smith, absorbing heavy ground-and-pound.

Kazama, a known submission threat, nearly turned the tide with a dangerous toe hold attempt midway through the first round. Smith stayed calm, defended expertly, and escaped to resume his attack. For minutes, the American controlled the pace, battering Kazama from the top while fending off submission traps.

The fight reached its dramatic conclusion when Kazama latched onto a triangle choke attempt. Smith, channeling the ferocity of MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, lifted his opponent high before slamming him violently onto the canvas. The impact rendered Kazama defenseless, and a follow-up strike sealed the victory before the referee could intervene.

Kazama regained consciousness moments later and was sent to the hospital for precautionary checks. Speaking post-fight, Smith was respectful toward his opponent while confident in his own abilities: “From start to finish, I knew I could keep up with him on the ground,” he said.

How Elijah Smith’s UFC Vegas 109 Performance Shapes His Career

Elijah Smith’s emphatic win not only extends his UFC record but also cements his reputation as a rising force in the bantamweight division. With back-to-back victories and a highlight-reel finish that has already gone viral among fight fans, Smith’s profile is set to rise rapidly in 2025.

Finishes of this nature often lead to bigger fight opportunities, potentially placing Smith in matchups with ranked opponents or high-profile veterans. His ability to mix patient ground control with explosive fight-ending techniques makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.

Why the Rampage-Style Slam Still Resonates in MMA

The slam knockout is a rare and devastating weapon in modern MMA. While slams have been part of the sport since its early days, few are executed with the precision and brutality seen in Smith’s finish. The moment drew immediate comparisons to Rampage Jackson’s iconic 2002 knockout of Ricardo Arona in PRIDE Fighting Championships.

Such techniques carry both strategic and psychological value. Beyond ending the fight, they send a powerful message to future opponents—warning them that any submission attempt can be turned into a fight-ending disaster.

MMA analysts have noted Smith’s composure as a key factor in the bout. Rather than panicking in submission threats, Smith displayed veteran-like patience despite being relatively early in his UFC career. Former fighters and commentators praised his awareness, timing, and athleticism—qualities that often separate contenders from journeymen.

With UFC Vegas 109 now behind him, Elijah Smith could be looking at a significant step up in competition. The UFC matchmakers may eye a bout with a top-15 bantamweight or a fan-favorite action fighter to capitalize on his growing popularity.

Given the buzz surrounding his knockout, Smith has the momentum to secure a prime slot on a future Fight Night main card or even a pay-per-view undercard.

Elijah Smith’s rise in the UFC is a story of talent meeting opportunity. His Rampage-style slam at UFC Vegas 109 will be remembered as one of the year’s most spectacular finishes, setting the stage for a potentially breakout run in 2025.

You Must Know:

Q1: Who is Elijah Smith in UFC?
Elijah Smith is a rising bantamweight fighter in the UFC and the son of veteran MMA competitor Gilbert Smith. He is known for his explosive fighting style and recent knockout win at UFC Vegas 109.

Q2: How did Elijah Smith win at UFC Vegas 109?
Smith defeated Toshiomi Kazama with a Rampage Jackson-style slam followed by a strike, securing a knockout victory in the first round.

Q3: What is a Rampage-style slam in MMA?
It’s a powerful move where a fighter lifts an opponent attempting a submission and slams them forcefully to the mat, often causing a knockout. The technique is famously associated with Quinton “Rampage” Jackson.

Q4: What’s next for Elijah Smith after UFC Vegas 109?
Smith is expected to face tougher competition, possibly a ranked bantamweight, given the buzz and attention from his highlight-reel finish.

Q5: Was Toshiomi Kazama seriously injured?
Kazama regained consciousness quickly after the knockout but was taken to the hospital for precautionary medical evaluation.