Elijah Smith might have simply delivered the Knockout of the Yr along with his end over Toshiomi Kazama at UFC Vegas 109.
Following a back-and-forth grappling trade on the bottom as he averted submission makes an attempt from the underside, Smith fought off a triangle choke try from Kazama by lifting him into the air after which violently slamming him right down to the canvas. Knowledgeable wrestling model powerbomb — much like what Quinton “Rampage” Jackson did to Ricardo Arona in PRIDE years in the past — ended Kazama’s evening immediately as he was knocked out and Smith started celebrating his win.
The tip got here at 4:10 within the opening spherical.
Kazama really laid immobile on the bottom for a number of moments after the knockout however fortunately he was awake and alert after medical personnel tended to him within the cage.
“I simply wish to pray for my opponent, hopefully he makes it residence protected,” Smith mentioned after his vicious end. “I knew I had the flexibility to maintain up with the man on the bottom. I’m nonetheless simply pretty much as good as they arrive. I knew I needed to slam him accurately. Sadly, I needed to slam him on his dome piece.
“I knew I used to be going to be robust and highly effective and I knew I wished to get that $50K bonus. The sky will not be the restrict.”
As one of many heaviest favorites on the whole card, Smith was anticipated to win however he didn’t have it simple with Kazama threatening him on the bottom throughout each grappling trade. Kazama attacked with an armbar try after which a heel hook try as he continued scrambling for a greater place with Smith raining down blows on him throughout each second his palms had been free.
Kazama continued to search for the submission, which is when he noticed the opening for the triangle choke however Smith clearly had the proper counter to that transfer. Replays confirmed Smith lifting Kazama into the air after which inserting his hand on the chin as he introduced his opponent again right down to Earth once more to make sure he inflicted most harm.
When the combat was over, Smith really shouted out Jackson, who now has competitors for probably the most well-known powerbomb in MMA historical past.
