Ismael Bonfim and Axel Sola will face off in a lightweight showdown at UFC’s upcoming event in Abu Dhabi on July 25, multiple people with knowledge of the booking told MMA Fighting. The UFC has yet to officially announce the Fight Night card and its headlining attraction.
Bonfim (20-6) has his back against the wall after losing back-to-back fights to Nazim Sadykhov and Chris Padilla in 2025, missing weight by five pounds for his most recent appearance.
“Marreta” made waves early in his international
career with a contract-winning decision over Nariman Abbasov at Dana White’s Contender Series and a vicious flying knee knockout against Terrance McKinney in his UFC debut, but won only one of three since losing to Benoit Saint-Denis in 2023.
Sola (11-1-1) had a very successful amateur career in MMA and was a dominant champion in Ares FC before joining the UFC in 2025, finishing Rhys McKee in his octagon debut before dropping a decision to Mason Jones in one of the best fights of 2026 so far.
UFC Abu Dhabi also features a heavyweight showdown between Valter Walker and former LFA champion Thomas Petersen. Both fighters confirmed following a report from Laerte Viana.
Walker (15-1) is ranked in the top 15 of the division after four consecutive heel hook tapouts, all in the first round, while Petersen (11-4) won a majority decision against Guilherme Pat to rebound from a knockout loss to Vitor Petrino.
Mike Heck contributed to this report.
