AUSTIN, TEXAS: At UFC 291, Gabriel Bonfim charmed Joe Rogan, the famous podcaster and UFC commentator. For the UFC's largest card of the year, which included a BMF title battle between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje as its main event, the MMA legend returned to commentary duty.
On the Salt Lake City undercard, Bonfim defeated welterweight veteran Trevin Giles in just over a minute, passing the toughest test of his career with flying colours. As soon as the bell rang, the 25-year-old started pressing his more seasoned opponent towards the fence and went in search of the finish.
'That’s like crocodile jaws around your neck'
After obtaining a guillotine choke submission, Bonfim eventually trapped Giles's head and caused him to fall to his back, ending the main UFC 291 preliminary fight in just 73 seconds. Rogan only had praise for him after the dramatic win. He said, “This guy. Man! A lot of times when guys jump guillotine early on, you’re like, ‘Oh, this might be a mistake.’ Not with this guy,” Rogan added as Bonfim released his submission. "That technique is like a vice grip, that’s like crocodile jaws around your neck. My goodness!"
He continued, excitedly, "This man's submission skills are so slick and so tight. And look how strong he is. The way he hoisted Trevin up into the air, slammed him to the ground and immediately progressed. Got to a good position and set up the guillotine." During their post-fight interview, the 55-year-old continued by comparing Bonfim's hallmark submit to "death" and called him "one of the most electrifying contenders."
'I will be the champion of this division'
Bonfim was undoubtedly just as excited about his second UFC win. In the interview he told Rogan, “I will be the champion of this division,” He added, “I’ve been working a lot to get better and every fight there’s a new Gabriel, Neil Mangy, I’m ready for you or anyone in the division.”
The 15-0 prospect defeated Mounir Lazzez with the same submission in January, on the undercard of the battle for the light heavyweight championship between Glover Teixeira and Jamahal Hill. Prior to that, Bonfim won a short submission match against Trey Waters on Dana White's Contender Series to earn a spot in the greatest MMA league. Now that he has Rogan as a fan, he is perhaps the most exciting prospect in the sport. Rogan was obviously astounded by his talent.
