Fight Details
Event: UFC Fight Night: Dolidze vs. Hernandez
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2025
Time: Approx. 4:30 PM ET (Prelims)
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, NV
Weight Class: Men’s Bantamweight (135 lbs)
Broadcast: ESPN+, UFC Fight Pass
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.
FIGHT ODDS
Elijah Smith – 700
Toshiomi Kazama + 500
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 8, 2025
