SALT LAKE CITY – Neil Magny is the name that Gabriel Bonfim has in mind for his next UFC fight.
Following his Saturday win at UFC 291, Bonfim used his post-fight interview to call out Magny. The undefeated Brazilian prospect thinks that would be an appropriate next step to prove he belongs in the UFC’s rankings.
“He’s someone that’s in the top 15 that’s been there, and I thought that would be a good fight,” Bonfim told reporters at the UFC 291 post-fight press conference at Delta Center in Salt Lake City. “He’s a striker, and I want to fight someone that’s a striker. That way, I can test myself.”
Bonfim (15-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) submitted Giles (16-5 MMA, 7-5 UFC) with a guillotine choke in the first round of their welterweight contest at UFC 291. He was happy with his showing.
“I’m very happy to be fighting for my second time here in the UFC. Winning by guillotine (gives me) two guillotines in two consecutive events, so I’m really happy,” Bonfim said.
Although he won by submission, Bonfim said he also thinks he sent a message to the division regarding his striking. He thinks Giles didn’t want to stand with him, and that’s why the groundwork was initiated.
“My plan was to strike, but as you saw it, when my hand got in there he just went to the ground, so he didn’t prove himself and I actually proved to be not only a better boxer, but one of the best in the division,” Bonfim said.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 291.
