Coach of victim of violent pile driver at UFC Vegas 109 updates student's health status

Elijah Smith knocked out Toshiomi Kazami in the UFC Las Vegas 109 (Photo: Twitter/UFC News)

Extremely rare, the 'pile-driver' move once again drew attention at UFC Vegas 109, an event that took place this Saturday (9) at Apex. In a duel between Elijah Smith e Toshiomi Kazama, the American starred in a tense moment when he violently knocked out his opponent with a technique applied in the first round.

Defending against Kazama's submission attempt, Smith lifted his opponent considerably high and slammed his head directly onto the mat, knocking him out instantly. The situation created intense tension after the victim took a long time to recover during medical treatment.

See too

Charles do Bronx opens up about opponents after UFC Rio announcement: 'Nobody wanted to fight in Brazil'

Eight years later, Vicente Luque returns to fight in Brazil and faces 'Brazilian Argentine' at UFC Rio

Durinho reveals unpopular opinion when analyzing the duel between Du Plessis and Chimaev at UFC 319

In an update on the athlete's health status, Hirotaka Nakada, Kazama's coach, posted on his social media that the UFC provided immediate support to the Japanese fighter and highlighted the delicate moment the country is experiencing after two fighters died due to blows received during boxing matches.

"Kazama arrived safely in Japan without any problems. I'm very grateful that he's still alive, and as long as we're alive, there will be opportunities. Please pray for his recovery," Nakada posted on his official X account.

T. Kazama after his fight at UFC Vegas 109. Photo: Reproduction/X

The fighter was still able to minimize the tension after a tough defeat when he posted a photo at the Five Guys restaurant, eating a burger and celebrating the fact that the worst hadn't happened.

"Defeat at Five Guys. For now, I'm just happy to be alive," Kazama declared.

Also during the event, UFC's Japanese account on X was able to provide better details about the care provided to the fighter after the setback.

Regarding Toshimi Kazama's health, the results of the CT scan performed at the hospital revealed no abnormalities in his head, face, or neck. After all necessary precautions were taken by the medical team in the Octagon, he was transported to the hospital but is expected to be discharged soon. We wish him a speedy recovery," the statement said.