UFC Vegas 109: Elijah Smith reacts to slam KO in honor of ‘Rampage’
UFC on ESPN 72 winner Elijah Smith talks to MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight after his slam knockout of Toshiomi Kazama in Las Vegas.
Quinton Jackson was, like many, in awe of Elijah Smith’s incredible slam knockout at UFC on ESPN 72.
Smith (9-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC)) delivered arguably the greatest slam finish in UFC history Saturday when he attempted to put Toshiomi Kazama (11-4 MMA, 1-3 UFC) through the mat in the opening round of their bantamweight bout at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
The way Smith hoisted Kazama out of a triangle choke position and into the air, put his arm across the face then slammed him into the mat before landing a couple vicious and unnecessary shots looked eerily similar to a famous finish from former UFC light heavyweight champion “Rampage” Jackson.
Jackson produced arguably the most famous slam finish in MMA history under the now-defunct PRIDE FC banner in June 2004. A nearly identical sequence occurred in his “Critical Countdown 2004” matchup with Ricardo Arona in a highlight that has been played endlessly since.
Many have tried to mimic “Rampage” throughout the years, but nothing has came as close as what Smith pulled off, and the man himself could only give praise to what the 22-year-old prospect pulled off (via Instagram):
The respect between Jackson and Smith was mutual in the aftermath of his knockout win. Smith said he watched the Arona win many times over the years, and tipped his cap to the UFC legend after the viral result.
