TLDR
- Ismael Bonfim was cut from the UFC after missing weight by 7.5 pounds at UFC Vegas 122
- He lost to Francisco Prado by first-round TKO and forfeited 25% of his purse
- This was Bonfim’s third weight miss during his UFC career spanning multiple years
- The Brazilian fighter exits with a 2-5 UFC record after losing his last four fights by stoppage
- Bonfim posted on social media stating his fighting career is not over despite the setback
Sources: sherdog.com | sports.yahoo.com | mmafighting.com
Ismael Bonfim has been removed from the UFC roster following a disastrous performance at UFC Vegas 122 on Saturday. The 30-year-old Brazilian missed the lightweight limit by 7.5 pounds and then suffered a first-round technical knockout loss to Francisco Prado.
Bonfim was forced to forfeit 25 percent of his fight purse due to the massive weight miss. He weighed in at 163.5 pounds for the non-title lightweight bout, which has a limit of 156 pounds.
❌Fighter removed: Ismael Bonfim
Ismael Bonfim has been cut from the UFC after missing weight by 7.5lbs and losing to Francisco Prado this past weekend
via @guicruzzz pic.twitter.com/Kqwz8fN0H7
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) October 12, 2026
Third Weight Miss Ends UFC Tenure
This was the third time Bonfim failed to make weight during his UFC career. In 2023, he came in 3.5 pounds overweight for a scheduled fight against Vinc Pichel, which resulted in the bout being cancelled entirely.
Last year, Bonfim missed weight by five pounds against Chris Padilla and lost that fight by knockout. The pattern of weight issues plagued his entire UFC run.
Bonfim exits the promotion with a 2-5 record, a sharp decline from the 18-3 record he carried into his UFC debut. He was finished by stoppage in his last four UFC appearances.
The Brazilian earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022. His promotional debut was memorable, as he knocked out Terrance McKinney with a flying knee.
However, Bonfim went just 1-5 in his subsequent fights. The weight management problems appeared to take a toll on his performance inside the octagon.
Fighter Responds on Social Media
Before news of his release became public, Bonfim posted a lengthy statement on Instagram Sunday. He reflected on the loss and expressed gratitude to his supporters.
“Always grateful to God for life, health and every opportunity He gives me,” Bonfim wrote. “Everything doesn’t go as planned, results don’t always come as desired, but my faith remains unshakable.”
The fighter acknowledged the defeat but refused to let it define him. “There are no excuses, no shame, and much less reason to give up,” he stated.
Bonfim referenced personal struggles that extended beyond fighting. “We’ve come here the hardest way, facing battles few know about, overcoming fears, breaking barriers, and fighting against things that go far beyond what happens inside an octagon,” he explained.
He maintained that his career would continue despite the setback. “The result of a battle does not define the value of a warrior, and defeat will never be able to erase the entire history we have built,” Bonfim wrote.
The Brazilian kept his spirits high in the post. “I keep my head held high, my heart at peace and my faith even stronger,” he said.
Bonfim concluded his statement with a promise to his fans. “My story doesn’t end here. God is still writing the next chapters, and I trust Him completely. All honor and all glory be given to God!”
The fight took place at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas on October 10. Francisco Prado earned the victory in the preliminary portion of UFC Vegas 122.
