Chris Padilla sees title run materializing by 2027, questions Bonfim’s willpower
UFC Fight Night 264’s Chris Padilla spoke to MMA Junkie and reporters at media day for his lightweight bout vs. Ismael Bonfim
LAS VEGAS – Chris Padilla has a vicious mindset going into UFC Fight Night 264 and plans to unleash it against Ismael Bonfim, whom he expects not to be on his level.
Padilla (16-6 MMA, 3-0 UFC) looks to continue the strong start to his octagon tenure Saturday when he takes on Bonfim (20-5 MMA, 2-2 UFC) in a lightweight bout at UFC Apex. He anticipates that will happen, simply because he thinks his opponent isn’t willing to go to the same places.
“He has good cardio when he’s winning – I think if he’s on his back foot, I don’t know if he can handle the pressure I’m going to bring,” Padilla told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 264 media day. “I give myself all the advantages because I’ve done everything. I’ve worked on everything day in and day out, and Bonfim is 25 (fights) in. I’m not saying an old dog can’t learn new tricks, but I see a guy who will live and die on a certain hill. I’m not that guy. I will fight on every hill. Every trench. Every water. Every sky. Once I find the advantage on any of those levels, I’m going to take it every time.”
Padilla, 30, hasn’t seen action since his split decision triumph over Jai Herbert at UFC Fight Night 255 in March. He would’ve liked to return sooner, but is now hoping to get this win and put together a busy 2026 to prove himself a contender.
“I think I can be world champion,” Padilla said. “I’m not focused on the belt as of now. I know I have a goal for 2027 champion, but I’m not focused on it. I just want to win and I just want to fight as much as I can.”
