UFC on ESPN 72: Elijah Smith vs Toshiomi Kazama Preview & Prediction
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The prelims continue with a bantamweight bout as American prospect Elijah “Swift” Smith takes on Japan’s Toshiomi Kazama.
Elijah Smith vs Toshiomi Kazama facts
What time are Elijah Smith and Toshiomi Kazama expected to walk out?
Where is UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez? UFC Apex, Enterprise, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC on ESPN 72
What TV channel is UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez main card
Roman Dolidze vs Anthony Hernandez (Middleweight)
Steve Erceg vs Ode' Osbourne (Bantamweight)
Iasmin Lucindo vs Angela Hill (Women’s Strawweight)
Andre Fili vs Christian Rodriguez (Featherweight)
Miles Johns vs Jean Matsumoto (Bantamweight)
Eryk Anders vs Christian Leroy Duncan (Middleweight)
UFC on ESPN: Dolidze vs Hernandez prelims
Julius Walker vs Raffael Cerqueira (Light Heavyweight)
Elijah Smith vs Toshiomi Kazama (Bantamweight)
Joselyne Edwards vs Priscila Cachoeira (Women’s Bantamweight)
Uros Medic vs Gilbert Urbina (Welterweight)
Gabriella Fernandes vs Julija Stoliarenko (Women’s Flyweight)
Cody Brundage vs Eric McConico (Light Heavyweight)
Elijah Smith: Swift Start to UFC Life for American Prospect
Twenty-two-year-old Elijah “Swift” Smith enters this matchup with an 8–1 record and a perfect start to his UFC career. After earning his contract with a gritty decision win over Aaron Tau on the Contender Series, he followed it up by outpointing Vince Morales in his UFC debut. Half of his wins have come by KO/TKO, and he has shown he’s more than capable of going the distance when needed.
Smith brings fast hands and a scrappy style. While he ultimately looks to grapple, he maintains a high pace and is more than happy to strike. He’s aggressive, durable, and still developing, which makes him an exciting name to watch in the division.
Toshiomi Kazama: Japan’s Submission Specialist Looks to Build Momentum
Toshiomi Kazama enters with an 11–4 record and got back in the win column last time out with a much-needed triangle choke finish over Charalampos Grigoriou. That win helped steady the ship after two quick knockout losses in his first UFC outings, falling to Rinya Nakamura and Garret Armfield, both by first-round strikes.
Kazama is at his best on the mat, and his BJJ prowess has led to over half of his wins coming via submission. However, his striking is limited, and his chin has not held up well under pressure. When forced to stand and trade, he often struggles.
Elijah Smith vs Toshiomi Kazama Prediction
Smith should look to keep this fight standing, where he holds a clear edge in both speed and power. Kazama is always a threat with submissions, but Smith appears well-rounded enough to avoid extended grappling exchanges. With cleaner striking and more momentum behind him, Smith is expected to dictate the pace and find an early finish.
