The UFC returned once more to its APEX headquarters in Las Vegas for the second consecutive week — and the second-to-last time in 2025. After a controversial event the week before, the promotion aimed to regain momentum with UFC Vegas 111.
The main event featured a thrilling welterweight clash between Gabriel Bonfim and Randy Brown. Bonfim entered with three straight wins after avenging his first career loss, including a debated split decision over Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson in July. Brown came in strong with four victories in his last five fights, highlighted by his knockout of Nicolas Dalby at UFC Kansas City.
The co-main event saw flyweight action as Matt Schnell faced Joseph Morales, who made his long-awaited return to the Octagon. Schnell arrived after a win over Jimmy Flick that ended his losing streak, while Morales stepped back into the cage after winning The Ultimate Fighter season 33.
Who rose to the occasion, and who fell short? Here are the biggest hits and misses from UFC Vegas 111.
Zachary Reese Overcomes Early Trouble For A Short-Notice Victory
Fighting on short notice is a risk, but Zachary Reese made it look like an opportunity. He endured early punishment from Jackson McVey before storming back to win by second-round submission.
The first round saw both fighters exchange heavy strikes, with McVey appearing to hurt Reese more than once. Reese stayed composed, weathered the storm, and took control in the second round. He brought McVey to the ground and finished the fight with a rear-naked choke.
This win erases the frustration of his no contest against Sedriques Dumas at Noche UFC 3 in September. With only one loss in his last six outings, Reese is ready for a tougher opponent next.
Denise Gomes And Jacqueline Cavalcanti Impress On The Prelims
Two women’s bouts on the prelim card brought strong performances from Denise Gomes and Jacqueline Cavalcanti. Both earned decisive victories that will likely move them up their respective divisions.
Gomes looked sharp against Tecia Pennington, using strong striking and ground control to dominate the final round. Cavalcanti, meanwhile, exposed Mayra Bueno Silva’s hesitation by applying constant boxing pressure and nearly sweeping all scorecards.
Gomes now edges closer to the strawweight top ten, while Cavalcanti’s win should launch her into the bantamweight top ten. Both fighters proved they belong among the division’s best.
Mayra Bueno Silva’s Struggles Continue
Mayra Bueno Silva’s career has hit a troubling decline since her title fight with Raquel Pennington nearly two years ago.
Her defeat to Cavalcanti marked her fourth straight loss and extended her winless streak to five bouts. Her overturned win against Holly Holm, due to a positive ritalinic acid test, remains a setback. Since then, she has fallen to Macy Chiasson, Jasmine Jasudavicius, and now Cavalcanti.
Though she remains a known name in the division, something has gone missing in her performances. Bueno Silva needs major adjustments — whether in training or mindset — to stop her slide and find her old form.
Christian Leroy Duncan Scores Another Stunning Knockout
Christian Leroy Duncan once again showcased his striking brilliance with another knockout that will replay for weeks.
He started aggressively against Marco Tulio, landing a spinning elbow that immediately damaged his opponent. Tulio responded with pressure and even secured a takedown, but Duncan’s timing was flawless. A second spinning elbow followed by a right hand sent Tulio crashing to the canvas.
This victory follows his knockout of Eryk Anders and cements his reputation as one of the most exciting strikers to emerge from Cage Warriors in 2023.
Uros Medic Continues His First-Round Knockout Streak
Uros Medic made another quick statement with a first-round finish of Muslim Salikhov that lasted just 63 seconds.
He opened with sharp leg kicks before landing a powerful left hand that dropped Salikhov. Medic followed up with ground-and-pound until the referee stopped the fight.
Medic has now won three of his last four fights and four of his last six overall. His run at welterweight has been uneven, but his power remains undeniable. Another win could earn him a ranked opponent soon.
Joseph Morales Makes A Triumphant Return
Joseph Morales delivered one of the most emotional moments of the night with a first-round submission win over Matt Schnell.
Schnell attempted an early takedown, but Morales reversed position and took control from the top. After threatening a kimura, Morales transitioned into a guillotine choke, forcing Schnell to tap.
Morales’ comeback is complete after going 1-2 in his first UFC run. His success on The Ultimate Fighter season 33, capped by a submission win in the finale, set the stage for this impressive return to form.
Morales’ Celebration Misses The Mark
Morales’ post-fight “6-7” celebration left fans more confused than entertained. The gesture, borrowed from a meme trend, fell flat and added nothing to his otherwise strong moment. Some things are better kept for social media.
Gabriel Bonfim Proves He’s Ready For Elite Competition
The main event ended in dramatic fashion when Gabriel Bonfim stopped Randy Brown with a knee that left no doubt. While the referee’s timing sparked brief debate, the result stood firm.
Bonfim dominated early with damaging leg kicks, slowing Brown’s movement. When Brown tried to counter in the second round, Bonfim answered with a perfect knee to the head, ending the fight instantly.
This victory marks Bonfim’s fourth consecutive win since his first career defeat. Despite the earlier controversy against Stephen Thompson, this performance silenced critics.
Bonfim deserves a top-ten opponent next. His blend of technique and aggression has made him one of the most dangerous rising stars in the welterweight division.
