A clash between Brazilian and French lightweights stood out as a potential FOTN sleeper at UFC Abu Dhabi, with Axel Sola and Ismael Bonfim both looking to get back in the win column.
Following a three-round, FOTN war against Mason Jones, Sola looked to counter the tricky striking of Bonfim, who was desperate for a win after dropping three of his last four.
Round 1- Sola started the fight with a pair of big body kicks before circling out, where Bonfim threw a combination into a takedown attempt. Sola defended the shot and started lighting up Bonfim with downward elbows as he pressed his head into his hips, leading to the ref warning Bonfim. Bonfim stayed pressed in this single leg position pushing for a takedown, but was losing the round as the elbows added up. After a flurry of elbows, Bonfim droped to the canvas and was clearly stunned. Sola looked to lock in an anaconda, but was unable to secure the grip. Bonfim began panic wrestling on his back, looking to scramble and evade the incoming damage. Sola rolled with him and locked in a slick D’arce, tapping Bonfim with seconds left in the round.
The Frenchman bounces back impressively while improving to 2-1 in the UFC.
Official Result: Axel Sola def. Ismael Bonfim by submission (D’arce choke), Round 1, 4:44
