LAS VEGAS, NV – AUGUST 10: (From left) Toshiomi Kazama of Japan punches out Charalampos Grigoriou of Cyprus in a bantamweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 10, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Al Powers/Zuffa LLC)
Bantamweights Toshiomi Kazama and Charalampos Grigoriou faced off at UFC Las Vegas 95, each looking to score their first UFC victory.
Japan’s Kazama had been knocked out in his first two UFC bouts, while Cyprus’ Grigoriou had only lost by decision in his debut after his DWCS victory, and with both fighters looking for their first UFC win, this was the most important fight for them, if not for the fans.
Kazama attempted a takedown in the opening seconds, but only managed to push his opponent against the fence. After holding his opponent against the fence for a while, Kazama landed a knee strike that could have been illegal, but Grigoriov’s hands were on the mat. Jason Herzog paused the bout while the commentators debated the legitimacy of the knee strike. It was moments after the knee strike landed that Charalampos’ hands were up to see if the knee strike was legal. When the bout resumed, both men kept their distance, but Toshiomi attacked again, this time transitioning to his back. He had a near-full grip on his back, but made the mistake of ceding his body position to go for an armbar, allowing Grigoriov to go up on top. However, Kazama got up on top with a successful half-guard sweep, ending the round.
Grigoriou started the second round on the offensive, hurting Kazama badly. Kazama nearly got a takedown, but Charalampos shook him off and resumed his attack. The Cypriot fighter took his opponent down and attacked with elbows. Jason Herzog warned Kazama on the defensive, and Kazama only managed to survive as Grigoriou exhausted himself. While Kazama rested, a clearly exhausted Toshiomi Kazama applied a triangle choke. Grigoriou exhausted himself and quickly tapped out.
Though his face was covered in bruises, Kazama was beaming with joy after scoring his first UFC victory with some skillful grappling techniques.
Official result: Toshiomi Kazama defeats Charalampos Grigoriou via submission (triangle choke), Round 2, 1:55
