Fighter expresses gratitude for continued life following stunning powerbomb knockout, deemed potential Knockout of the Year, that rendered him unconscious by spectators
In a thrilling turn of events at UFC Vegas 109, Elijah Smith delivered a spectacular powerbomb-style slam that knocked out Toshiomi Kazama in the bantamweight bout on August 9, 2025.
The fight saw Smith dominating on the ground, surviving submission attempts before executing the devastating slam. The referee was momentarily slow to stop the fight, allowing Smith to land an additional blow that rendered Kazama unconscious. Kazama later regained consciousness and was taken to the hospital for evaluation.
The knockout, which occurred at 4:10 of Round 1, re-created the iconic powerbomb style of MMA veteran Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, and is being hailed as one of the best knockouts of the year. It also ranks among the UFC's most brutal slams, and has sparked comparisons to legendary MMA knockouts due to its rarity and impact, especially in the bantamweight division where such slams are uncommon due to smaller fighter size.
In a post-fight interview, Smith credited his confidence on the ground throughout the fight, explaining the slam technique was less about technique and more about lifting Kazama as high as possible and slamming him forcefully on his head.
Toshiomi Kazama, who entered the UFC through Road to UFC in 2022, has a record of 1-3 since joining the UFC. He was knocked out in the last minute of the opening round in this fight. Kazama was pictured at Five Guys in Vegas after the fight, and later posted on social media that he is "just really glad to be alive."
The sensational finish earned Smith a Performance of the Night bonus. Smith also gave a shout-out to MMA veteran Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson during his post-fight octagon interview. Jackson is one of the few to have pulled off slam finishes in the UFC's history.
Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier expressed his doubts about having seen a more devastating powerbomb than Smith's in MMA history. Fans and members of the MMA fraternity praised the knockout as "knock out of the year" and "absolutely ruthless finish."
This victory marks Smith's second consecutive UFC win, and he hopes that his slam gets in the conversation for a $50,000 bonus. The UFC community eagerly awaits Smith's next fight, hoping to see more of his impressive ground game and powerful slams.
- Smith's slam technique, akin to Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's powerbomb style, gained critical acclaim and was considered one of the best knockouts in sports, including football and F1.
- Despite the devastating knockout, even sports like football and F1, with their distinct athletic requirements, can appreciate the raw power and technique showcased in Smith's UFC victory.
- After the knockout, Smith received the Performance of the Night bonus and expressed his admiration for MMA veteran Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson, hoping that such slams will earn him a $50,000 bonus in future football, F1, or other sports events.
