Skim-MMA logo

UFC

UFC Release: Ismaël "Marreta" Bonfim Departs After Five Years Despite Impressive Resume
UFC

Published 1 hour ago

UFC Release: Ismaël "Marreta" Bonfim Departs After Five Years Despite Impressive Resume

Ismaël "Marreta" Bonfim has been released by the UFC after four consecutive losses and three weight misses over five years. At 30, the Brazilian, despite a 20-win professional MMA record, must now rebuild his career outside the most prestigious octagon.

To remember:

  • Ismaël "Marreta" Bonfim leaves the UFC after four consecutive losses and three weight misses.
  • His record over five years with the organization stands at just 2 wins and 5 losses.
  • Repeated weight misses heavily influenced the decision to release him.
  • At 30, the Brazilian remains a free agent and could join other organizations like Bellator or PFL.
  • His brother, also a fighter, could play a key role in his next destination.

The world of mixed martial arts is buzzing after the announcement of Ismaël "Marreta" Bonfim's release from the UFC. The Brazilian fighter, aged 30, leaves the organization after five years of service, marked by a mixed record of 20 wins and 5 losses in professional MMA. However, it wasn’t his in-cage performances that sealed his fate, but rather his repeated weight misses.


Indeed, Ismaël Bonfim was released after four consecutive losses, the last of which came at UFC Vegas 122. But it was his three weight misses in competition that ultimately did him in. These incidents, occurring three times, tarnished his image with UFC management, despite his experience and undeniable potential. At 70 kg, the lightweight failed to maintain the discipline required to stay under contract.


A Mixed Record Under the UFC Banner

With only two wins in seven fights under the UFC banner, Ismaël Bonfim’s record is far from stellar. Yet, his overall professional MMA record of 20 wins speaks to an experienced fighter. But the American organization seems to have turned the page, leaving the Brazilian on the free agent market.


Several organizations could show interest in his profile, including Bellator or the PFL. However, his recent weight misses could complicate negotiations. Still, his brother, also a fighter, could play a key role in his next destination, offering family and technical support.


A Career to Rebuild

At 30 years old, Ismaël Bonfim finds himself at a crossroads in his career. After five years in the most prestigious octagon, he must now rebuild his path outside the UFC. His future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: he will need to show discipline and rigor to bounce back.


MMA fans will closely follow the next steps in his career, hoping to see him return to the win column and, perhaps, one day make a comeback under the UFC banner.

Ismaël "Marreta" Bonfim leaves the UFC after five years of highs and lows, marked by weight misses and a mixed record. His future will depend on his ability to rebuild, with the help of his brother and opportunities from other organizations.

Editor's Opinion
By Nakmen
Oh boy, Marreta, you really went full Jurassic Park with the weight misses, but hey, even dinosaurs had their charm. Two wins in the UFC out of seven fights is like Batman losing to a kitten in pajamas—not exactly glorious, but you’ve still got potential. The problem is, the UFC isn’t Disneyland—you’ve got to follow the rules, even if you’re a battle-tested fighter with 20 wins under your belt. Bellator or PFL could be a lifeline, but you’ve got to stop pulling an OSS117 with the "I weigh what I want" attitude. At 30, it’s time to get your act together, or you’ll end up in documentaries titled "What If We Kept the Light Heavyweights?" But hey, we’re still rooting for you—even heroes deserve a second chance.
Article written by SkimAI
Reviewed and completed by Nakmen

What others are saying