Ismael Bonfim opens up about difficult period after UFC losses

Ismael Bonfim hasn't been able to find his footing in the UFC yet. Currently riding a three-fight losing streak, the Brazilian is looking to turn things around when he steps inside the Octagon to face Francisco Prado at UFC Vegas 122 on Saturday. Bonfim admitted he struggled emotionally after his recent setbacks but revealed that the support of his coaches, brother and mentor helped him put the moment into perspective.

Ismael Bonfim Reflects on Difficult Period After UFC Loss

Bonfim made his UFC debut in January 2023 after competing on Dana White's Contender Series. At that time, the Brazilian arrived in the promotion with plenty of momentum, riding a 12-fight winning streak. His first UFC appearance was also impressive, with Bonfim knocking out Terrance McKinney with a flying knee. However, things changed in the following years.

Since then, the Brazilian has gone 1-4 in his last five fights inside the Octagon and is still looking to establish himself in the UFC. Bonfim acknowledged that his recent setbacks affected him. He has since worked to prevent this difficult period from carrying over into his next fight.

"I went through a difficult period after my last fight," Bonfim told Ag Fight. "But thank God I have my coaches, my brother and my mentor, Gabriel Manzoni, who is there for me. We worked to make sure this difficult period wouldn't affect us. This isn't our life; it's our job. Regardless of what happens, life goes on. We're going to come in on Saturday feeling light and happy, giving our best to get the win. We athletes generally treat this as our lives. When we lose, we feel terrible: 'My life is over.' No, it's not over. It was just a bad day at work. My life goes on."

Ismael Bonfim Embraces Brazil-Argentina Rivalry

While Bonfim is focused on getting his career back on track, he also sees an extra element in his matchup with Prado: the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina. The Brazilian expects an aggressive opponent and plans to use movement early before increasing his offense and looking for a knockout.

"It couldn't be better (Brazil vs. Argentina)," Bonfim said. "We've had this rivalry since the days of Pelé and Maradona. Brazilians carry that with them forever. In MMA, we're definitely ahead, and God willing, we'll stay that way. Prado is a natural striker. He comes to finish the fight and comes forward like a wild dog. We have to be careful with that, move well during the fight and start striking at the right moment. I'll take my time in the first round and move around a lot. Starting in the second round, I'll begin landing more strikes, keep landing until I find the knockout. The goal is to knock him out."

Prado also enters the matchup looking to turn things around in his career. The Argentine is riding a four-fight losing streak and has won only a single fight since joining the UFC in 2023.

Bonfim and Prado are scheduled to meet at UFC Vegas 122 on Saturday in Las Vegas.