Ismael Bonfim Removed from UFC Roster Following Weight Miss, Loss

Ismael Bonfim has been removed from the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster. The Brazilian lightweight's tenure with the promotion came to an end following a first-round technical knockout loss to Francisco Prado at UFC Vegas 122 on Saturday.

The fight had already encountered significant trouble at the official weigh-ins, where Bonfim missed the non-title lightweight limit by 7.5 pounds. As a result of the scale infraction, Bonfim forfeited 25% of his fight purse before going on to suffer the stoppage defeat and his subsequent release.

Saturday's infraction marked the third time Bonfim missed weight during his time in the UFC. In 2023, he came in 3.5 pounds over the limit for a scheduled matchup against Vinc Pichel, which resulted in the bout being canceled. Last year, Bonfim missed weight by five pounds for a clash with Chris Padilla and went on to lose via knockout. In total, Bonfim was finished inside the distance in his last four UFC appearances.

Prior to the news of his roster removal, the 30-year-old released a statement on Instagram reflecting on the bout and addressing 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... There are no excuses, no shame, and much less reason to give up." Bonfim added that his fighting career is not over.