Ismael Bonfim struggled significantly at the official weigh-ins for UFC Vegas 111. The UFC lightweight weighed in 5 pounds over the limit, marking a challenging start to the weekend for the Bonfim brothers.
Ismael Bonfim, scheduled to fight on Saturday's undercard alongside his brother Gabriel in the main event, weighed in at 161 pounds. This exceeds the lightweight limit, even with the one-pound allowance for non-title fights.
This is the second time Ismael has missed weight in his UFC career. Previously, he came in 3.5 pounds over for a fight against Vinc Pichel at UFC São Paulo in November 2023. Pichel declined the bout, stating:
“I decided to take away his ability to fight and make money.”
Ismael's opponent, Chris Padilla, made weight at 155 pounds. The fight will continue at a catchweight, with Bonfim forfeiting 25 percent of his purse as a penalty.
In more positive news, the main event welterweight fight between Gabriel Bonfim and Randy Brown is confirmed. Gabriel weighed in at 170.5 pounds, while Brown came in at 171 pounds.
Except for Ismael Bonfim, all other 23 fighters competing at UFC Vegas 111 successfully made weight.
UFC Vegas 111 promises an intense night despite the weight challenges, with important bouts still on the cards.
Author’s summary: Ismael Bonfim's significant weight miss led to a catchweight bout with penalties, while the rest of UFC Vegas 111 fighters met weight targets successfully, keeping the event intact.