The UFC returned to its APEX headquarters for the second straight week and the penultimate time in 2025. After last week’s controversy, the organization sought redemption and excitement at UFC Vegas 111.
The main event featured a welterweight showdown between Gabriel Bonfim and Randy Brown. Bonfim entered on a three-fight winning streak after a disputed split decision over Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson in July at UFC Nashville. Brown had claimed four victories in his last five bouts, including a memorable knockout of Nicolas Dalby in April’s Fight of the Night at UFC Kansas City.
In the co-main event, flyweights Matt Schnell and Joseph Morales clashed. Schnell arrived with a win over Jimmy Flick that ended his three-fight skid, while Morales made his long-awaited return after triumphing on The Ultimate Fighter season 33.
Who rose to the occasion, and who stumbled under the bright lights? Here are the hits and misses from UFC Vegas 111.
Zachary Reese Fights Through Adversity For A Short-Notice Win
Stepping in on short notice rarely leads to victory, but Zachary Reese defied the odds. He faced early trouble from Jackson McVey yet managed to turn the tide and earn a second-round finish.
The bout opened with heavy exchanges from both fighters. McVey appeared to gain the upper hand, rocking Reese during the first round. Still, Reese endured the storm and brought the fight to the mat in the second, where he locked in a rear-naked choke for the win.
This strong comeback erased the disappointment of his no contest with Sedriques Dumas at Noche UFC 3 in September. With only one defeat in his last six fights, Reese seems ready for tougher competition ahead.
Denise Gomes And Jacqueline Cavalcanti Rise In The Rankings
Two women’s bouts on the prelims highlighted the night’s early action. Both Denise Gomes and Jacqueline Cavalcanti used dominant performances to rise through the ranks.
Gomes overwhelmed Tecia Pennington with sharp striking and effective ground control in the final round. Cavalcanti capitalized on Mayra Bueno Silva’s lack of aggression, using crisp boxing to nearly sweep the scorecards.
Gomes should now move closer to the top ten at strawweight, possibly targeting a ranked contender next. Cavalcanti’s dominant victory likely pushes her into the top ten at bantamweight, setting up a crucial step toward title contention.
The Decline Of Mayra Bueno Silva
Mayra Bueno Silva’s career has taken a troubling turn since her title fight with Raquel Pennington nearly two years ago.
Her latest loss to Cavalcanti marks four consecutive defeats and extends her winless streak to five fights. Her overturned win against Holly Holm due to a positive test for ritalinic acid remains a dark mark on her record. Since losing to Pennington, she has been finished by Macy Chiasson and dropped decisions to Jasmine Jasudavicius and now Cavalcanti.
Though her job likely remains safe due to the quality of her opposition, Bueno Silva appears stuck. She needs significant change — perhaps a new camp or training approach — to revive her once-promising run.
Christian Leroy Duncan Delivers Another Spectacular Knockout
Christian Leroy Duncan continues to thrill fans with his striking. For the second straight fight, he produced a highlight-reel knockout.
He started aggressively against Marco Tulio, connecting with a spinning elbow early. Tulio responded with pressure and even landed a takedown, but Duncan’s creativity proved unstoppable. Another spinning elbow followed by a right hand dropped Tulio to the canvas for the finish.
Duncan’s win builds on his earlier knockout of Eryk Anders and reinforces his rising reputation since joining the UFC from Cage Warriors in 2023.
Uros Medic Dominates Again
Uros Medic needed only 63 seconds to dispatch Muslim Salikhov, earning another first-round stoppage.
He began with damaging leg kicks before landing a sharp left hand that floored Salikhov. Medic followed up with relentless ground strikes until the referee stepped in.
With three wins in his last four bouts, Medic continues to impress. Although his move to welterweight has brought mixed results, another strong showing could earn him a ranked opponent soon.
Joseph Morales Marks A Triumphant Return
Joseph Morales celebrated a dream comeback with a first-round submission of Matt Schnell.
Schnell’s early takedown attempt backfired when Morales reversed position and controlled the action on top. After threatening a kimura, Morales transitioned smoothly into a guillotine choke to secure the finish.
This victory marked redemption after his earlier 1-2 UFC run. Morales had shined on The Ultimate Fighter season 33, where he beat top contenders and won the finale at UFC 319. His performance in Vegas confirmed that he’s back and better than ever.
The Unimpressive 6-7 Celebration
Morales’ “6-7” celebration quickly drew criticism. The meme-style gesture fell flat, leaving fans puzzled rather than entertained. Some moments are better left in the locker room.
Gabriel Bonfim Signals His Readiness For Bigger Challenges
The main event ended with a stunning knee from Gabriel Bonfim that left Randy Brown unable to continue. The stoppage caused debate, but safety took priority.
Bonfim dominated early, battering Brown’s legs with low kicks. When Brown tried to rally in the second round, Bonfim answered with a devastating knee that sealed the win.
With four straight victories since his first career loss, Bonfim continues to climb. His previous controversial win over Thompson may have sparked doubts, but this knockout erases them.
Bonfim’s next step should be a ranked opponent — perhaps someone just inside the top ten or close to it. His explosive style and consistency have made him one of the most promising welterweights to watch.
