Gabriel Bonfim has decisively entered the welterweight top five with a commanding performance against Belal Muhammad in the UFC Vegas 118 main event.
While the initial two rounds were closely contested, Bonfim consistently landed the more significant blows, including powerful leg kicks. Muhammad, visibly bleeding from his nose, returned to his corner after the second round. In the third, he attempted a takedown early on, but Bonfim skillfully defended it.
Midway through the third round, a hard right hand from Bonfim sent Muhammad’s mouthpiece flying. Despite absorbing the punishment and showing resilience, Muhammad was likely trailing on the scorecards heading into the final rounds.
Bonfim continued to control the fight, even as Muhammad’s corner urged him to increase his urgency. However, the opportunity for a comeback never materialized for the former welterweight title contender.
After five rounds, the judges’ scorecards were tallied, marking Muhammad’s third consecutive loss under the UFC banner.
Official Result: Gabriel Bonfim defeated Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).
English Translation:
Gabriel Bonfim has launched himself into the welterweight top five with a spectacularly dominant performance against Belal Muhammad in the UFC Vegas 118 headliner.
The first two rounds were fairly competitive, but it was Bonfim who appeared to land the more impactful strikes, including a series of brutal leg kicks. Muhammad went to his corner after the second stanza, bleeding from his nose. When he came back out for the third, he immediately shot for the first takedown of the fight. However, Bonfim anticipated the move and fended off the attempt with relative ease.
Halfway through the third, Bonfim sent Muhammadโs mouthpiece flying across the Octagon with a nasty right hand. To his credit, Muhammad absorbed all the punishment and never backed down, but he likely found himself down on the scorecards after three rounds.
Bonfim continued to dominate the action as Muhammadโs corner desperately urged him to show urgency inside the Octagon. Unfortunately, the moment never came for the former welterweight titleholder.
After five rounds of action, the fight went to the scorecards, where โRemember The Nameโ would suffer his third straight loss under the UFC banner.
Official Result: Gabriel Bonfim def. Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-45).
