Cut! UFC Vegas 122 fighter who lost eight pounds of weight then was knocked out is officially released

UFC Vegas 122 ended several UFC careers.

In addition to retirements of long-time veterans Gérald Meerschaert And Niko Priceformer lightweight prospect Ismaël Bonfim was officially dropped from the UFC roster following his loss to Francisco Prado (with MMA Fighting). Not only did Bonfim lose by first-round knockout (see here), but he also lost weight by a gargantuan eight pounds.

Ismael Bonfim is the older brother of top welterweight contender, Gabriel Bonfimbut their careers move in very different directions. While Gabriel is on a solid winning streak and recently defeated a former champion in Belal MohammedIshmael collapsed. The Brazilian finisher entered the UFC with an 18-3 record and was erased Terrance McKinney in a stellar debut, but has struggled since. He would win only once in his next six fights, finishing each defeat and missing weight three times in the process.

Now he will take his talents elsewhere. Ahead of his release, Bonfim posted on Instagram to let fans know that his career is far from over.

“There is no excuse, no shame and certainly no reason to give up,” Bonfim wrote in Portuguese. “We have come this far by taking the hardest path, facing battles few know, overcoming fears, breaking barriers, and fighting battles that go far beyond what happens inside the octagon. The outcome of a battle does not define the worth of a warrior, and one loss will never be enough to erase all the history we have built.”

“I keep my head high, my heart at peace and my faith stronger than ever,” he continued. “Because those who know where they come from, everything they’ve been through and how much they had to fight to get here don’t give up because of one outcome. My story doesn’t end there. God is always writing the next chapters and I trust Him completely. All honor and glory be to God! “