USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Ismael Bonfim recalls 22-pound weight cut disaster before UFC loss
Originally posted on
BoxingNews.com
|
By Tom Rashid
|
Last updated Jul 24, 2026 12:06 AM ET
Add us as a preferred source on Google
Ismael Bonfim entered fight week 22 pounds over the lightweight limit before his November bout with Chris Padilla, a miscalculation that left him visibly depleted at weigh-ins and ended in a second-round stoppage loss
The Brazilian lightweight came to the scale at 161 pounds — five over the non-title limit — after relying almost entirely on dehydration rather than gradual weight management, he told MMA Fighting. His body started cramping after just 30 seconds in the sauna, with spasms spreading to his neck in a way he had never experienced
Bonfim vows stricter weight management for Abu Dhabi return
“I relied too much on dehydration,” Bonfim said, per the MMA Fighting interview. “I got to fight week still needing to lose 22 pounds. I would stay in the sauna for 30 seconds, and my body would already start cramping. I was getting cramps I’d never felt in my life, like cramps in my neck. That’s when we decided to stop the weight cut.”
Bonfim, who dropped to 20-6 with the loss, has since overhauled his approach and now caps his out-of-camp weight at 176 pounds. He dismissed the idea of moving to welterweight, saying the jump would end his career given his frame. Sherdog reports the 30-year-old faces Axel Sola at UFC Abu Dhabi as he looks to snap a two-fight skid
Sola enters off his own setback, a decision loss to Mason Jones in March
- Sherdog — Ismael Bonfim recalls extreme UFC weight cut that went wrong
This article first appeared on BoxingNews.com and was syndicated with permission
More must-reads:
- Tom Herman getting paid surprisingly little to help coach Florida State
- Lane Kiffin makes shocking confession about leaving Ole Miss for LSU
- The ‘Most 40-HR MLB seasons’ quiz
Breaking News
NBA –
Noteworthy update surfaces about Steph Curry’s future
NCAAF –
Tom Herman getting paid surprisingly little to help coach Florida State
NBA –
Vince Carter says he retired from the NBA because of ‘politics’
MLB –
Pirates make necessary moves to improve bullpen, but must do more
NCAAF –
Lane Kiffin makes shocking confession about Ole Miss exit
NFL –
Seahawks’ Cooper Kupp takes Sam Darnold shot at Vikings
MLB –
Brewers aiming high with trade targets ahead of deadline
MLB –
Yankees infielder goes off on MLB for targeting him
Trending News
NASCAR
Three candidates to replace Alex Bowman at Hendrick Motorsports in 2028
1
WNBA
Fever’s Caitlin Clark closer to suspension after technical vs. Sun
2
MLB
Yankees IF Jose Caballero’s antics in batter’s box lead to another altercation
3
NFL
Pat McAfee responds after getting blamed for ESPN layoffs
4
WNBA
WNBA announces Caitlin Clark news after unforgettable week
5
NBA
‘El Cheapo’: Blazers owner strikes again as team loses longtime broadcaster
6
NBA
Jalen Brunson addresses invitation to White House
7
NFL
Sports media world sounds off about ESPN and NFL Network layoffs
8
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
