Gabriel Bonfim: Ian Garry 'showed the way' to defeat Belal Muhammad

Gabriel Bonfim faces a significant opportunity this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 278, headlining the card at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas against former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad. The 28-year-old Brazilian is riding a six-fight UFC winning streak, including a knockout victory over Randy Brown in November, and believes a convincing performance against the veteran champion could propel him into title contention.

Muhammad, a 20-fight UFC veteran, is currently ranked fifth in the welterweight division but enters the bout on the heels of two consecutive losses. Bonfim believes he has identified the blueprint to defeat the former champion, particularly after observing how Ian Garry dismantled Muhammad's game plan in their recent encounter.

"After he lost the belt wanting to prove himself standing up with [Jack Della Maddalena], I don't believe he'll come to strike with me," Bonfim explained. "I think Ian Garry showed the way, breaking his game. The idea is to move around, defend takedowns, use low kicks and connect with my hard hands."

Bonfim's 19-1 professional record includes notable victories over former title challenger Stephen Thompson and now the opportunity to face a former champion. With his brother Ismael preparing for his own welterweight debut, the Bonfim family is making waves in a deeply competitive division. A knockout win would position Gabriel Bonfim as a legitimate contender, needing only one or two more victories before earning a title shot in what he describes as the UFC's most difficult weight class.