Each UFC event usually throws up some surprises. UFC 291 at Salt Lake City, Utah, was no different. While the stacked card offered some the opportunity to project themselves as next in the line for some top fights, others had the platform to put themselves on show. Salt Lake City, besides promising fireworks, tested the fighters’ will and stamina. But it was a welterweight prospect who put the promotion on the alert as he toyed with his opponent.
Gabriel Bonfim squared off against Trevin Giles in the prelims card closing fight. Bonfim, a Dana White’s Contender Series alumnus, came into the fight on the heels of a confidence booster debut win. He had announced himself as a submission expert on the biggest stage in his debut. On the other hand, Giles, who reignited his career when he dropped down to welterweight, came into the fight on a two-win streak. Besides Bonfim’s undefeated record, an opportunity to land themselves a ranked fighter in the future was on the line.
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Notably, Bonfim won the fight via submission in the first round and has already set his eyes on a UFC veteran.
What happened in the fight between Gabriel Bonfim and Trevin Giles at UFC 291?
Bonfim pushed tremendous pressure on Giles and came with all guns blazing. Further, he dragged Giles to the ground and, within a minute, exhibited his exemplary ground game. He soon transitioned to a guillotine choke and made his opponent tap mere seconds into the fight.
The commentators’ desk, including Joe Rogan and Jon Anik, all boasted about how good the 25-year-old’s ground game was. And Bonfim proved them right as he collected his 12th submission win. Also, ‘Marretinha’ safeguarded his undefeated record as he put his ground game to the test and again came on top.
In the post-fight interview, Rogan called him the most electrifying fighter in the welterweight roaster. Also, he went to the extent of calling him the most talented in the division. The Brazilian fighter made his intent known as he declared, “I’m feeling great… I’ll be champion one day”.
Following this, he mentioned, “Every fight there is a new Gabriel… Don’t worry, I’ll get anybody.”
Lastly, the 15-0 record holder didn’t shy away from calling out the UFC veteran Neil Magny.
How did the fans react to the exciting finish?
This performance impressed the fans who compared him to UFC star Charles Oliveira. Others predicted him to be a future champion.
12/15 wins by a submission is crazy
— not luka sabbat. (@iamallan_29) July 30, 2023
Ladies and gentleman charles oliveira 2.0 pic.twitter.com/Xa8NvAnhRw
— Violence¡! (@V3ganpussy) July 30, 2023
Primed for greatness, future champ 🏆
— EiF (@EiFSoccer) July 30, 2023
Future Champ
— Muslim Poatan (@outnowere) July 30, 2023
Shavkat has his match
— Ràqúëb (@kmr4ever7) July 30, 2023
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I took a piss and missed it
— Ken Hartley (@KenHartley44) July 30, 2023
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What do you make of this exciting fight at UFC 291? Let us know in the comments below.
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