The octagon is heading back to the Middle East, and a pivotal lightweight clash has just been added to the lineup. Ismael Bonfim is set to face Axel Sola at UFC's Fight Night event in Abu Dhabi on July 25, according to sources close to the booking. While the promotion has yet to announce the main event or officially confirm the card, this matchup promises serious stakes for both fighters.
For Bonfim, this is a must-win moment. The Brazilian, known as "Marreta," enters the bout on a two-fight losing streak, having dropped decisions to Nazim Sadykhov and Chris Padilla in 2025. To make matters worse, he missed weight by five pounds in his most recent outing, raising questions about his discipline. But don't count him out just yet. Bonfim burst onto the international scene with a contract-winning performance on Dana White's Contender Series, then announced his arrival in the UFC with a highlight-reel flying knee knockout of Terrance McKinney. However, since a 2023 loss to Benoit Saint-Denis, he has managed just one win in three fights. A victory in Abu Dhabi could reignite his momentum.
Standing across the cage will be Axel Sola, a rising talent with a 11-1-1 professional record. The Frenchman dominated the amateur ranks and ruled as a champion in Ares FC before joining the UFC in 2025. He made an immediate impact by finishing Rhys McKee in his debut, then showcased his grit in a narrow decision loss to Mason Jones—a fight widely regarded as one of the best of 2026 so far. Sola's blend of experience and finishing ability makes him a dangerous test for a desperate Bonfim.
Adding to the Abu Dhabi card is a heavyweight clash between top-15 contender Valter Walker and former LFA champion Thomas Petersen. Walker, with a 15-1 record, has been on a tear, securing four consecutive first-round wins via heel hook. Petersen, meanwhile, is looking to build on a majority decision victory over Guilherme Pat after rebounding from a knockout loss to Vitor Petrino. Both fighters confirmed the booking following a report from Laerte Viana.
With lightweight and heavyweight stakes on the line, UFC Abu Dhabi is shaping up to be a can't-miss event for fight fans.