MMA Match Preview: Elijah Smith (8-1-0) vs. Toshiomi Kazama (11-4-0)

Matchup Overview

This bout features two rising bantamweights with contrasting trajectories. Elijah Smith (8-1-0), a promising prospect from Colorado Springs, returns after a split decision win over Vince Morales in his UFC debut. Smith is the son of former TUF contestant Gilbert Smith and has quickly gained attention for his athleticism and well-rounded skill set. Toshiomi Kazama (11-4-0), a product of the “Road to UFC” series, enters with a 1-2 UFC record and a reputation for submission finishes. Despite flashes of brilliance, Kazama has struggled with durability and defensive lapses.

Fighter Comparison

Attribute	Elijah Smith	Toshiomi Kazama
Nickname	“Swift”	“Silent Finisher”
Record	8-1-0	11-4-0
Age	22	28
Height	5’8″ (173 cm)	5’7″ (170 cm)
Reach	70″ (178 cm)	68″ (173 cm)
Stance	Orthodox	Orthodox
Gym	FactoryX Muay Thai	Krazy Bee
Nationality	United States	Japan

Striking & Grappling Breakdown

Category	Smith	Kazama
Striking Style	Fast hands, combos	Counter striker
Grappling Style	Wrestling-based	BJJ/submission-heavy
Strengths	Athleticism, transitions	Triangle choke, scrambles
Weaknesses	Pace control	Chin, striking defense

Smith has shown solid instincts in transitions and a well-rounded game, but tends to fight at a slower pace than his athleticism allows. Kazama is dangerous on the ground but has been dropped in all three UFC fights.

Recent Fight History

Elijah Smith: Defeated Vince Morales via split decision in February 2025. Showed composure and technical growth, though nearly caught in a choke late in Round 3.

Toshiomi Kazama: Submitted Charalampos Grigoriou in his lone UFC win, but was dropped repeatedly before securing the triangle choke. Lost to Garrett Armfield and Rinya Nakamura via KO.