Elijah "Swift" Smith is an electrifying force in the UFC bantamweight division, blending razor-sharp striking with devastating grappling to captivate fans worldwide. The 22-year-old phenom stands at 5'9" with a 71-inch reach, competing at 135 pounds and training out of Team Victory under the mentorship of his father, Gilbert Smith—a former UFC fighter, gym owner, and coach.

Entering the pro scene with an impressive 9-1-0 record, Smith quickly climbed the ranks, earning recognition as the #54 top bantamweight globally before signing with the UFC in September 2024. His UFC debut came against Vince Morales in Las Vegas, where he showcased his potential as a versatile fighter capable of dominating on the feet and the ground. But it was his sophomore outing that truly catapulted him into the spotlight.

On August 9, 2025, at UFC Vegas 109, Smith delivered one of the most talked-about finishes in recent MMA history, slamming Toshiomi Kazama with a thunderous powerbomb knockout in the first round that left his opponent unconscious and sent shockwaves through the combat sports world. The viral moment—often compared to legendary finishes by Rampage Jackson—garnered millions of views across platforms, with fans and media hailing it as a potential Knockout of the Year contender. Smith himself reflected on the win as a "statement" performance, proving his readiness to climb the bantamweight ladder.

As a proud member of the SHIELD athlete roster, Elijah relies on our products to fuel his relentless pursuit of excellence. His absolute favorite? Shield Apex Kinesiology Tape, which provides unparalleled support and recovery during grueling training camps and fights. "Shield Apex keeps me taped up and ready to unleash—it's essential for staying swift and injury-free," Smith shares. With his star on the rise, we're excited to support Elijah as he continues to make history in the Octagon.