The Bonfim brothers were once again sharing a UFC card, and it was Gabriel who was going first at UFC Vegas 102, in a welterweight fight against Khaos Williams.
Both fighters had been on the shelf over six months; both having won their last bout. Last time out, Gabriel had earned a decision over Ange Loosa, while Williams had stopped Carlston Harris.
A fun tidbit of information is that this was Williams’ first time fighting outside the month of May since November of 2021. He had only fought in May in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
The opening minute of the fight was spent in a usual feeling out process, with both fighters exchanging jabs. Williams fired a couple big right hands that missed. Williams was slowly pushing Bonfim back, but the Brazilian kept circling and firing low kicks. Khaos finally landed, but Bonfim ate it well and an instinctive takedown attempt immediately got Khaos to the ground. An arm wrapped around Bonfim’s neck forced a stalemate, but Bonfim stayed composed and eventually completed the takedown, jumping on the back right away. Khaos exploded to get out and they clinched once back on the feet. They eventually break and Bonfim went back to landing jabs and low kicks. He finished the round with a quick takedown and attacked a Von Flue choke but time ran out. Competitive round that Bonfim probably edged out.
In round 2, Williams used his forward pressure to put Bonfim on the backfoot. His looping shots were forcing Bonfim’s back to hit the fence, but he failed to take advantage of these opening to fire more combinations. They started exchanging in the middle of the cage and after tagging Williams with a nice left hook, Bonfim started landing jabs and low kicks while avoiding Williams’ big looping punches. Another left hook knocked Williams off balance and another strong jab from Bonfim snapped Williams’ head back. Momentum was clearly in Marretinha’s favour and with Williams now unable to put on the same pressure with his lead lead so damaged, Bonfim then felt comfortable enough to extend his combinations and landed a nice 1-1-2. The Brazilian got a takedown in the final minute and went straight to mount. Williams scrambled out of the position, but Bonfim quickly snatched the neck and put his foe to sleep with a D’arce.
A great way to start the night for the Bonfim brothers, as the younger of the two moved to 4-1 in the UFC with three finishes.
Official Result: Gabriel Bonfim def. Khaos Williams by technical submission (D’arce choke), Round 2, 4:58
