Ali Akbar Rosady
Las Vegas, Nevada – Belal Muhammad reaffirmed his position at the pinnacle of the welterweight division, delivering a disciplined and dominant performance to secure a unanimous decision victory over the aggressive Gabriel Bonfim in the main event of UFC Vegas 118. The highly anticipated Fight Night, broadcast live from the Meta APEX on Saturday evening, saw top contenders solidify their standing and emerging talents make their mark across a card packed with action. Muhammad’s victory extends his impressive unbeaten streak, further bolstering his claim for a shot at the welterweight championship.
The evening’s headline bout pitted two fighters with contrasting career trajectories. Belal Muhammad, known as "Remember the Name," entered the Octagon as the No. 2 ranked welterweight contender, riding a formidable ten-fight unbeaten streak (9 wins, 1 no-contest). His last outing saw him dismantle Gilbert Burns, a performance that underscored his elite grappling and continuously evolving striking. Muhammad, a veteran with a career record of 23-3 (1 NC), has steadily climbed the ranks through consistent victories over formidable opposition, establishing himself as a strategic and relentless pressure fighter. His path to the top has been characterized by an unwavering commitment to improvement and a tactical approach to each fight.
Facing him was the highly touted Brazilian prospect Gabriel Bonfim. Bonfim, with an impressive professional record of 15-1, had quickly made a name for himself in the UFC, showcasing a dynamic and aggressive style, primarily focused on submissions. His journey to the main event slot was expedited by a series of explosive finishes, positioning him as one of the most exciting new talents in the 170-pound division. Bonfim, alongside his equally talented brother Ismael, represented a new wave of Brazilian martial artists, combining jiu-jitsu prowess with developing striking. This main event was seen as a significant step up in competition for Bonfim, offering a litmus test against a seasoned and top-ranked opponent.
From the opening bell, Muhammad executed a precise game plan designed to neutralize Bonfim’s early aggression. Muhammad utilized his superior footwork and defensive wrestling to avoid Bonfim’s potent submission attempts in the initial rounds. He systematically wore down the younger fighter with consistent jabs, body shots, and well-timed takedowns against the cage. Bonfim showed flashes of his dangerous submission game, particularly in the second round, where he threatened with a tight guillotine choke that Muhammad skillfully defended. However, Muhammad’s veteran experience shone through as he maintained composure, escaping danger and returning to his suffocating pressure.
Related News :
- Pimblett Faces Herculean Weight Cut Ahead of Pivotal UFC 329 Showdown with Saint Denis
- Francis Ngannou Set for High-Stakes MMA Comeback Against Philipe Lins on Anticipated Rousey-Carano Undercard
- Van Steenis Delivers Knockout Blow to Edwards, Retains PFL Middleweight Title at Historic Madrid Event
- Gilbert Melendez Articulates Belief in Nick Diaz’s Unconventional Path to Potential Octagon Return
As the fight progressed into the championship rounds, Muhammad’s cardio and relentless pace began to tell. He controlled the center of the Octagon, dictating the tempo and rhythm of the exchanges. While Bonfim displayed incredible heart and resilience, his output waned under Muhammad’s sustained assault. Muhammad’s striking, often underestimated, proved effective in accumulating damage and setting up his grappling exchanges. The judges’ scorecards reflected Muhammad’s dominance, with all three scoring the bout clearly in his favor (49-46, 49-46, 50-45). This victory marks a critical milestone for Muhammad, further cementing his status as a legitimate title contender. Post-fight, Muhammad reiterated his desire for a championship opportunity, stating, "I’ve beaten everyone they’ve put in front of me. I’m ready for the belt."
Allen Submits Shahbazyan in Co-Main Event Thriller
In the co-main event, Brendan Allen continued his impressive ascent in the middleweight division, securing a decisive submission victory over Edmen Shahbazyan. Allen, ranked No. 6 in the division with a record of 24-5, extended his winning streak to seven consecutive fights, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most dangerous grapplers at 185 pounds. Shahbazyan (13-4), a powerful striker known for his early finishes, sought to regain momentum after a mixed run of results.
The bout began with Shahbazyan attempting to establish his striking, landing a few powerful combinations that momentarily put Allen on the defensive. However, Allen, "All In," quickly closed the distance, initiating grappling exchanges. In the second round, after a scramble against the cage, Allen capitalized on an opening, securing a takedown and quickly transitioning to Shahbazyan’s back. From there, he locked in a rear-naked choke, forcing Shahbazyan to tap at 3:17 of the second round. The victory further enhances Allen’s resume and positions him for a potential fight against a top-5 opponent.
Main Card Highlights:
The main card delivered a series of compelling matchups preceding the headliners.
In a lightweight contest, Fares Ziam (14-4) showcased his technical striking and defensive prowess to earn a unanimous decision victory over the aggressive Tom Nolan (7-2). Ziam controlled the distance throughout the three rounds, landing crisp jabs and counter-strikes while effectively evading Nolan’s power shots. The judges scored the bout 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 in favor of Ziam.
Featherweight standout Bryce Mitchell (16-2) demonstrated his elite grappling skills, submitting Santiago Luna (11-4) in the first round. Mitchell, known as "Thug Nasty," secured an early takedown and quickly moved to mount, unleashing ground and pound before transitioning to an arm-triangle choke that forced Luna to tap at 2:05 of the opening frame. Mitchell’s dominant performance reaffirms his status as a top contender in the featherweight division.
The heavyweight clash saw Junior Tafa (6-2) deliver a devastating performance, stopping Iwo Baraniewski (7-1) via TKO in the second round. Tafa, a powerful kickboxer and brother of Justin Tafa, found his rhythm after a cautious first round, landing a series of heavy punches that sent Baraniewski to the canvas. The referee intervened at 1:48 of the second round, declaring Tafa the winner.
Preliminary Card Rundown:
The preliminary card provided an electrifying start to the event, with several fights going the distance and others ending in spectacular fashion.
In a thrilling flyweight encounter, veteran Matt Schnell (16-8) edged out Alessandro Costa (14-4) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). The back-and-forth contest saw both fighters land significant strikes and attempt submissions, with Schnell’s experience ultimately proving the difference.
Bantamweight Marcus McGhee (8-2) secured a highlight-reel knockout over John Yannis (10-3) at 1:12 of the first round. McGhee landed a powerful right hook that immediately rendered Yannis unconscious, marking a significant victory for the burgeoning talent.
Bruno Silva (23-11), known as "Blindado," showcased his formidable power, stopping Edgar Chairez (10-5) via TKO at 4:03 of the second round in their middleweight bout. Silva overwhelmed Chairez with a barrage of strikes against the cage, forcing the referee to step in.
In the women’s flyweight division, Priscila Cachoeira (12-5), "Zombie Girl," secured a unanimous decision victory over Chelsea Chandler (5-3) (29-28, 29-28, 30-27). Cachoeira’s relentless aggression and striking volume proved too much for Chandler over three rounds.
Featherweight Joanderson Brito (16-3-1), "Tubarao," earned a TKO victory over Jordan Leavitt (12-4), "The Monkey King," at 3:20 of the first round. Brito’s powerful striking overwhelmed Leavitt, who struggled to implement his grappling game.
The women’s strawweight division saw Jeisla Chaves (7-2) defeat Yuneisy Duben (6-1) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) in a technically sound grappling heavy affair.
Opening the card, Ariane Carnelossi (14-4), "Queen of Violence," secured a hard-fought split decision victory over Ketlen Souza (14-3) in a women’s strawweight battle (29-28, 28-29, 29-28). Both fighters exchanged heavy blows throughout the three rounds, with Carnelossi’s tenacity earning her the nod from two of the three judges.
UFC Vegas 118 delivered a night of impactful performances, with Belal Muhammad’s main event victory taking center stage and reshaping the landscape of the welterweight title picture.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
MMAJune 6, 2026Dolphins to release Tagovailoa; Raiders, Ravens agree to Crosby trade; Bracketology
MMAJune 6, 2026Julian Lane Disqualified from BKFC Bout After Unprecedented Takedown Attempt Against Bryce Henry
MMAJune 6, 2026UFC Fight Night: Muhammad vs. Bonfim Welterweight Clash Headlines Las Vegas Card, Expert Kyle Marley Offers Betting Insights
MMAJune 6, 2026Muhammad Secures Dominant Decision Victory Over Bonfim at UFC Vegas 118
arthur roy sitompul
Anshari Taslim
rifan muazin
Jonas Leo