Bonfim Shifts Focus to Joaquin Buckley Amidst Covington's Continued Silence

Brazilian welterweight contender Gabriel Bonfim has publicly declared his intent to challenge Joaquin Buckley, should his primary target, former interim champion Colby Covington, remain unresponsive to his repeated callouts. The 26-year-old rising star, known for his aggressive finishing style, articulated his backup plan in a recent interview, signaling his determination to secure a high-profile matchup in the competitive Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight division.

Bonfim’s initial ambition has been clear following his impressive victories over seasoned veterans Stephen Thompson and Randy Brown. After each bout, he directly issued a challenge to Covington, stating his aspiration to "retire" the outspoken American fighter. Despite these challenges, Covington, who last competed in December 2023 in a title bout loss to Leon Edwards, has yet to publicly acknowledge or respond to Bonfim’s propositions. This silence has prompted Bonfim to explore alternative opponents to maintain his career momentum.

"I called out Colby, but Joaquin Buckley is also available," Bonfim informed MMA Fighting. "I think he’s pretty much the only one I want to fight who’s free right now. And I think it’s a good fight too. If Colby doesn’t accept, then it’s Joaquin Buckley. If Colby does, it’s Colby. I’ll take either one." Bonfim’s statement underscores his readiness to face top-tier competition, regardless of the opponent’s style or reputation, as he seeks to ascend the welterweight rankings.

Gabriel Bonfim has quickly established himself as a formidable force in the welterweight division since joining the UFC. With a professional record of 19 wins and just 1 loss, his career trajectory has been marked by a high finishing rate and compelling performances. In his seven UFC appearances, Bonfim holds a 6-1 record, having secured four finishes against his opponents. These dominant victories have also earned him three post-fight performance bonuses, highlighting his exciting fighting style and ability to deliver decisive blows. His recent wins over Stephen Thompson, a former multiple-time title challenger, and Randy Brown, a consistent welterweight contender, have significantly boosted his profile and demonstrated his capability against established names. Bonfim’s approach typically involves aggressive striking and proficient grappling, making him a versatile threat in the octagon.

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Joaquin Buckley, Bonfim’s prospective alternative opponent, has also been a notable figure in the UFC, particularly known for his highlight-reel knockouts and dynamic fighting style. Buckley, with a professional record of 19 wins and 7 losses, has garnered significant attention, especially during a period where he amassed six consecutive victories. This impressive streak included a notable win over Vicente Luque, a perennial top-15 welterweight contender. Buckley’s momentum, however, was recently interrupted when he faced former undisputed welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in June, a bout he ultimately lost. Despite the setback, a loss to a fighter of Usman’s caliber does not diminish Buckley’s standing as a dangerous and exciting competitor.

Bonfim offered his perspective on Buckley’s recent performance against Usman. "That was cool, man," Bonfim remarked, reflecting on the fight. "The good thing about Buckley’s fight with Kamaru is that we got to see some solid strategy, right?" The comment, delivered with a hint of sarcasm, suggested Bonfim observed strategic deficiencies in Buckley’s approach, potentially informing his own game plan should the fight materialize.

Buckley has also been in the news recently for his public statements regarding other prominent fighters. He notably claimed that two-division champion Alex Pereira had avoided fighting him in the past. This claim was swiftly refuted by Pereira, who publicly exposed past messages between the two, indicating that Buckley had previously declined an opportunity to fight and was told to "go back to the end of the line." This exchange fueled public discussion about Buckley’s intentions and career strategy.

Bonfim weighed in on Buckley’s recent actions and public callouts. "He’s starting to get a little desperate, chasing a bit of hype," Bonfim stated regarding Buckley’s attempts to generate buzz, particularly by targeting fighters like Pereira who compete in divisions above him. "’Poatan’ kills him, no chance. He’s just trying to get some buzz." Bonfim’s assessment suggests he views Buckley’s recent tactics as a strategic attempt to stay relevant and secure lucrative matchups, especially following his loss to Usman.

The potential matchup between Bonfim and Buckley presents an intriguing stylistic clash. Bonfim’s calculated aggression and grappling prowess against Buckley’s explosive striking power promises a high-octane encounter. For Bonfim, a victory over a recognizable name like Buckley, even coming off a loss, would represent another significant step up the divisional ladder and further solidify his position as a legitimate contender. For Buckley, a win against a rising star like Bonfim would be crucial for regaining momentum and re-establishing his relevance in the welterweight title picture.

Bonfim believes that Buckley’s recent loss might make him more amenable to accepting a fight. "[Buckley is] coming off a loss to Usman and might take the fight," he observed. "There are other guys in the division who could take it too. This Saturday, six of them are fighting, and after that a couple more, so things are getting sorted out in the division. I believe by early 2026 there’ll already be fights booked." Bonfim’s comments highlight the dynamic nature of the welterweight division, which is currently undergoing a period of significant activity with numerous contenders vying for position behind champion Leon Edwards. Fighters such as Belal Muhammad, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Jack Della Maddalena are all active, contributing to a fluid landscape where matchups can quickly shape the top of the division.

Beyond his personal career aspirations, Gabriel Bonfim also shared insights into his unique dynamic with his brother, Ismael Bonfim, who also competes in the UFC. The brothers have frequently shared fight cards in the past, an arrangement that Gabriel now hopes to avoid. This decision stems from recent experiences where Gabriel’s victories followed Ismael’s stoppage losses. Gabriel secured wins over Stephen Thompson and Randy Brown on cards where Ismael had suffered defeats to Nazim Sadykhov and Chris Padilla, respectively.

"That’s what we decided, to focus on one of us at a time," Bonfim explained, outlining the new strategy for the siblings. "If they book Ismael a fight, then Gabriel waits to fight later on. He’s got two fights left on his contract and needs to renew it. So we’re focusing on getting that third fight done, winning it well, and God willing, getting a new contract." This strategic separation aims to mitigate the emotional and logistical burdens associated with both brothers competing on the same night. The shared pressure of weight cuts, fight preparations, and the emotional impact of a sibling’s performance can be significant for professional athletes.

Gabriel elaborated on the rationale behind this decision. "There were a lot of things happening, weight cuts and all that, and it all adds some weight on both our shoulders," he continued, referencing the broader challenges including Ismael’s past weight miss. "He’s my brother, my blood, and we always want both of us to win. Just like he wants me to win, I want him to win too. I want him to be on the same level as me in his career, you know?" This candid reflection underscores the deep familial bond and mutual support between the Bonfim brothers, emphasizing their desire for shared success while recognizing the need for individual focus to optimize their respective careers.

As the welterweight division continues to evolve, Gabriel Bonfim remains focused on his trajectory. Whether it is a long-awaited clash with Colby Covington or a compelling matchup against Joaquin Buckley, Bonfim’s objective is clear: to continue his ascent through the ranks and establish himself as a premier contender in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions. His strategic approach, combined with his formidable fighting skills, positions him as a fighter to watch in the coming months.