‘Welterweight Champion Curse’ in UFC Continues as Belal Muhammad Gets Overwhelmed by Gabriel Bonfim

Brazilian contender Gabriel Bonfim ushers into the welterweight top 5 with a dominating performance over Belal Muhammad.

‘Welterweight Champion Curse’ in UFC Continues as Belal Muhammad Gets Overwhelmed by Gabriel Bonfim

Gabriel Bonfim dominates Belal Muhammad (via Yahoo Sports)

The UFC welterweight division remains in limbo after Gabriel Bonfim defeated Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision at UFC Vegas 118. The result was surprising given Muhammad was a top-ranked contender despite losing the title only a year ago. The former champion has now suffered three straight defeats since May 2025. Bonfim’s win also added to the ongoing welterweight champion curse.

The first three rounds largely belonged to Bonfim, who found success with his boxing combinations and calf kicks. Muhammad struggled to establish his wrestling, allowing the Brazilian contender to control the pace. Bonfim continued landing the cleaner strikes through the second and third rounds. By the fight’s halfway point, the former champion appeared to be facing an uphill battle on the scorecards.

Bonfim carried his momentum into the championship rounds, continuing to outwork Muhammad with a cleaner, more effective offense. ‘Bully B’ showed urgency in rounds four and five but struggled to change the direction of the contest. After five rounds, all three judges scored the fight in Bonfim’s favor as he secured a unanimous decision victory with identical 50-45 scorecards across the board.

The welterweight belt curse first gained attention when MMA Mania’s Alex Behunin pointed out a growing pattern earlier this year. It came after Carlos Prates knocked out former champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth, continuing a trend of ex-champions struggling after losing gold. The situation was notable because JDM had dropped the title to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 in November 2025.

The welterweight curse traces back to Johny Hendricks, who lost five of his next seven fights after losing the title. Tyron Woodley then went on a six-fight losing streak across MMA and boxing after losing to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235. Usman later endured a three-fight skid after losing the belt to Leon Edwards at UFC 278. Edwards is now also on a three-fight losing streak since losing the title to Muhammad.

Belal Muhammad’s slide began when he lost the welterweight title to Della Maddalena at UFC 315. He then suffered another setback at UFC Qatar, losing a unanimous decision to Ian Machado Garry. Against ‘Marretinha’, Muhammad struggled to impose his game. The UFC Vegas 118 result highlighted Gabriel Bonfim’s rise while leaving ‘Remember The Name’ with a tough road back in the 170-pound division.

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What is next for Gabriel Bonfim after the win over Belal Muhammad at UFC Vegas 118?

Ever since his loss to Nicolas Dalby at UFC São Paulo in 2023, Gabriel Bonfim has surged through the welterweight division. The Brazilian contender is currently riding a five-fight win streak. He has picked up notable victories over Randy Brown, Stephen Thompson, and Khaos Williams. That run peaked at UFC Vegas 118, where he added Belal Muhammad to his resume with a unanimous decision win.

Gabriel Bonfim
Gabriel Bonfim (via UFC)

However, Bonfim does not appear interested in slowing down after his UFC Vegas 118 win. The Brazilian immediately set his sights on another former champion to add to his resume. He called out Jack Della Maddalena as his next target. The matchup is notable as JDM is still recovering from a knockout loss to Carlos Prates at UFC Perth. However, Bonfim has clearly made the Australian star his next focus.

Jack Maddalena, stay ready. You’re right there. You’re my next opponent. I just got to the top 5, and I want to be active. You’re next.

Gabriel Bonfim via UFC Vegas 118 post fight interview

However, #4 contender Sean Brady has also shown interest in a potential clash with Bonfim. Brady initially rooted for Belal Muhammad, hoping to avenge his UFC 280 loss in a future matchup. After UFC Vegas 118, he praised Bonfim’s performance during the UFC Paramount+ post-fight coverage. He also revealed he has had his eyes on the Brazilian for some time, signaling interest in the matchup.

I was thinking before the Buckley fight that Bonfim was someone that I would get matched up with. I have already been studying him; I kind of knew that we could run into each other. I don’t know if he is going to be my next fight, but if he is ranked ahead of me on Tuesday, that is a fight I would definitely take.

Sean Brady via UFC on Paramount+

Sean Brady enters this off a unanimous win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC 328, strengthening his position in the welterweight title picture. That performance kept him among the division’s top contenders as he continues chasing championship opportunities. With Brady now interested and other elite names circling, Gabriel Bonfim moves deeper into major divisional matchups.

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