Ismael Bonfim leaves the UFC after TKO loss

Brazilian fighter Ismael Bonfim is no longer competing in the UFC. His run with the promotion ended after he lost by first-round technical knockout to Argentina’s Francisco Prado a few days ago.

Bonfim missed weight by more than three kilograms before the bout. He failed to make weight twice during his time in the UFC. Another fight featuring him was also canceled because of weight-cutting problems.

UFC appearances

The 30-year-old made his promotional debut in January 2023, knocking out Terrance McKinney in the second round. Bonfim lost five of his next six fights before the final bell.

Azerbaijani fighter Nazim Sadykhov defeated Bonfim last year at UFC Fight Night 251 in Las Vegas. The victory was regarded as one of the year’s memorable events.

Bonfim earned his UFC opportunity by defeating another Azerbaijani fighter, Nariman Abbasov. Their bout took place on Sept. 6, 2022, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, during the seventh episode of Season 6 of Dana White’s Contender Series. The Brazilian won by unanimous decision, with the judges scoring it 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28, earning the right to sign a UFC contract.