UFC on ESPN 72: Dolidze vs. Hernandez, scheduled for August 9, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, features a bantamweight clash between rising American striker Elijah “Swift” Smith and dangerous Japanese submission specialist Toshiomi “Silent Finisher” Kazama. Smith is an undefeated UFC newcomer with sharp boxing, while Kazama is a proven finisher on the ground looking to climb the division.

Elijah Smith
Elijah Smith (8–1) is a 22-year-old prospect fighting out of Team Victory, known for his crisp striking and composed approach inside the cage. Smith’s hands are his primary weapon, using a fast jab, clean one-two combinations, and well-timed body shots to break opponents down. Four of his wins have come by knockout, showing he has legitimate finishing power.

Smith made his UFC debut in February 2025 with a decision victory over veteran Vince Morales, showcasing his ability to manage pace and range over three rounds. Before that, he earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series with a strong win over Aaron Tau. His lone career loss came by knockout in 2023, but since then he has tightened his defense and improved his footwork. While he has some grappling ability, Smith is at his best when the fight remains standing.

Elijah Smith – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Vince Morales – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN, February 8, 2025
2. Win vs. Aaron Tau – Decision (Unanimous) – DWCS, September 17, 2024
3. Win vs. Victor Altamirano – TKO (Punches) – Fury FC 89, May 25, 2024
4. Win vs. Javier Gonzalez – KO (Head Kick) – Fury FC 85, February 17, 2024
5. Win vs. Mario Ramirez – Decision (Unanimous) – Fury FC 80, November 4, 2023

Smith’s key to victory will be keeping the fight on the feet, using his speed advantage, and landing clean shots before Kazama can close the distance.

Toshiomi Kazama
Toshiomi Kazama (11–4) fights out of Wajutsu Keishukai Hearts and is a well-rounded grappler with six career submission victories. Known for his slick setups and aggressive guard game, Kazama can threaten with triangle chokes, rear-naked chokes, and opportunistic submissions during scrambles. His forward pressure and commitment to clinch entries make him dangerous when he can force the fight into close quarters.

Kazama last fought in August 2024, submitting Charalampos Grigoriou in the second round. While his grappling is elite, his striking defense has been a vulnerability, as three of his four career losses have come by knockout. Notably, quick KO defeats to Rinya Nakamura and Garrett Armfield exposed his susceptibility to fast starters. To succeed against Smith, he will need to survive the early striking exchanges and work to bring the fight to the mat.

Toshiomi Kazama – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Charalampos Grigoriou – Submission (RNC) – UFC FN, August 26, 2024
2. Loss vs. Garrett Armfield – KO (Punches) – UFC on ESPN 55, April 27, 2024
3. Loss vs. Rinya Nakamura – KO (Punch) – UFC 284, February 11, 2023
4. Win vs. Maimat Tukhtabaev – Submission (Triangle Choke) – Shooto 2022, December 18, 2022
5. Win vs. Kenta Takizawa – Submission (Armbar) – Shooto 2022, September 19, 2022

Kazama’s key to victory lies in closing the distance, initiating clinch work, and chaining takedown attempts to create submission opportunities.

This matchup is a classic striker versus grappler battle. Smith has the sharper, faster hands and will look to use movement to keep Kazama from engaging in prolonged grappling exchanges. Kazama, on the other hand, will try to slow the pace, push Smith against the fence, and drag him into deep water on the mat.

If Smith can connect cleanly in the first two rounds, Kazama’s history suggests it could end early. But if Kazama can survive the opening storm, his grappling advantage could turn the tide.

Prediction:
Elijah Smith def. Toshiomi Kazama via TKO (Punches) – Round 2

A victory here could establish Smith as a promising new force in the bantamweight division, while Kazama will need to regroup if he falls to 1–3 in his last four bouts.