Bonfim Misses Weight by 7.5 Pounds for Third Time Ahead of UFC Vegas 122

Key points

• Ismael Bonfim weighed 163.5 pounds, missing the lightweight limit by 7.5 pounds for his fight against Francisco Prado.
• The bout will proceed at catchweight; Bonfim must forfeit 25% of his purse to his opponent.
• This is Bonfim’s third weight miss in the UFC, following issues in November 2025 and a postponed fight in November 2023.
• Bonfim is currently on a three-fight losing streak, having lost to Nazim Sadykhov, Chris Padilla, and Axel Sola.
• The event, UFC Fight Night: Allen vs. Duncan, is scheduled for October 10 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas.
• Other weight misses on the card include Ketlen Souza and Brendson Ribeiro, both of whom forfeited 20% of their purses.

Background

Bonfim’s weight struggles have been a recurring issue. In November 2025, he weighed 161 pounds for a fight against Chris Padilla. In July 2026, he told MMA Fighting that he had changed his approach to dieting after relying too heavily on dehydration for the Padilla cut. His current losing streak of three fights contrasts with his debut knockout of Terrance McKinney. The broader context of UFC weigh-ins shows that multiple fighters often miss weight at single events, as seen in previous cards like UFC Shanghai in August 2026.

How outlets are covering it

NDTV Sports highlights Bonfim’s emotional struggles, noting his recent comments to Ag Fight about learning to live with defeat and separating his job from his life. MMA Fighting focuses on the main event, Brendan Allen, who discussed his lack of popularity despite a strong record, stating he is 'not the likable guy.' UFC.com provides the official weigh-in results, confirming the purse forfeits for Bonfim, Souza, and Ribeiro. MMA Mania offers a betting perspective, predicting that the featherweight bout between Andre Fili and Kai Kamaka III will go the distance, citing both fighters' lack of finishing power.

Why it matters

Bonfim’s weight miss impacts his financial compensation and highlights ongoing challenges in weight management for UFC fighters. His three-fight losing streak and repeated weight issues may affect his future opportunities in the promotion. The event also features a main event between two rising middleweights, Brendan Allen and Christian Leroy Duncan, which could influence their trajectories in the division.

What to watch

The fight between Bonfim and Prado will take place on October 10 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Bonfim aims to stop his losing streak, while Prado seeks his first UFC win since July 2023. The main event will see Brendan Allen attempt to extend his winning streak to four, potentially positioning him for a higher-profile bout in the future.