Gabriel Bonfim and Randy Brown faced off in the main event of UFC Vegas 111 on Saturday night, as the rising Brazilian prospect looked to take the next big step in his welterweight ascent against one of the division’s most seasoned and dangerous veterans.
Bonfim (18-1) entered the UFC after earning his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022 and has since built an impressive 5-1 record inside the Octagon. His victories over Mounir Lazzez, Trevin Giles, Ange Loosa, Khaos Williams, and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson have showcased his elite potential. A win over Brown would move him one step closer to the ranking he’s been chasing.
Brown (20-6) is a 20-fight UFC veteran who has been competing inside the Octagon since 2016, compiling a solid 14-6 record along the way. Despite his longevity and success, he has yet to break into title contention. Now at 35 years old, time is running short for a serious run at the belt, but a win over Bonfim could finally earn him a ranking and reestablish his presence among the division’s elite.
Round 1 – Bonfim immediately took control of the center of the cage, but Brown established his presence early with a sharp jab. Bonfim targeted the lead leg with calf kicks, though Brown responded with kicks of his own rather than simply resetting.
The Brazilian continued hammering the calf, and while Brown didn’t seem overly concerned, he wasn’t checking them either. A push kick from Brown landed clean, but he ate yet another calf kick in return. Bonfim clearly did his homework. Opponents have found success attacking Brown’s legs in the past, and he looked intent on exploiting that weakness again.
Another hard kick briefly stumbled Brown, prompting him to start lifting his leg to defend when he saw the strike coming. Bonfim adjusted perfectly, using feints and movement to draw Brown into range for more calf kicks before mixing in jabs and straight rights.
As the damage piled up, Brown began switching stances to protect his lead leg, but Bonfim read the adjustment easily. Each time Brown returned to orthodox to throw power shots, Bonfim timed and punished him with more kicks.
Brown tried to swing momentum back his way with heavy 1-2s and even attempted a flying knee, but accidentally poked Bonfim in the eye, forcing a brief 14-second time out. When action resumed, Bonfim picked up right where he left off, continuing to chip away at Brown’s legs as the round came to a close.
Round 2 – Brown landed a right hand then Bonfim scored a 1-2 on him. The exchanges became heavier between the two at this point. Bonfim landed a calf kick that froze Brown for a second so he landed a second one. Brown did too much standing in front of him without throwing any offense.
Suddenly Bonfim landed a knee to the head in close that dropped Brown and the ref called the fight. Brown popped right back up to his feet protesting the stoppage, but it was too late.
The replay seemed to show Brown went to sleep on the way down, but the landing may have woken him up.
Massive win for Gabriel Bonfim and a rough setback for Randy Brown.
Official Result: Gabriel Bonfim def. Randy Brown via R2 KO, 1:40
