Chris PadillavsIsmael Bonfim

Chris "Taco" Padilla brings a three-fight winning streak into this lightweight clash, riding momentum from his split decision over Jai Herbert in London just two months ago. The California fighter has shown versatility—finishing James Llontop with a first-round rear naked choke, stopping Rongzhu via doctor's stoppage, then grinding out a decision against Herbert. Ismael "Marreta" Bonfim enters looking to bounce back from a tough February loss to Nazim Sadykhov, which ended via doctor's stoppage after one round.

Before that setback, the Brazilian had put together impressive performances, including a flying knee knockout of Terrance McKinney in Rio and a unanimous decision over Vinc Pichel where he landed 112 strikes. The stylistic contrast makes this intriguing. Padilla has proven he can win multiple ways—by submission, stoppage, or decision—while Bonfim brings explosive finishing power and high-volume striking.

Both fighters are orthodox, so this comes down to who can impose their game first. For Padilla, it's about maintaining the momentum that's carried him through nine months of success. For Bonfim, it's about proving the Sadykhov fight was just a bad night and recapturing the form that made him dangerous in 2023.