Hear Billy Ray Goff’s plans to break Charles Oliveira’s bonus record
UFC on ESPN 68’s Billy Ray Goff spoke to MMA Junkie at media day for his welterweight bout vs. Ramiz Brahimaj on Saturday in Las Vegas.
LAS VEGAS – One man’s misfortune… paired with another man’s misfortune… creates fortune?
That’s the case with Billy Ray Goff and Ramiz Brahimaj ahead of their UFC on ESPN 68 clash Saturday at the UFC Apex.
Initially scheduled to fight different opponents, Goff (9-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC) and Brahimaj (11-5 MMA, 3-3 UFC) were paired when those fighters fell off the card due to visa issues.
“With the last one, I had two people pull out and couldn’t get another opponent that was on the same card and whatnot,” Goff told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “I’m just happy somebody else also lost a fight, and we were able to match up. I’m just excited to get in there.”
Goff, 26, has not competed since May 2024 due to multiple opponent withdrawals. Now that he’s back, Goff’s goals are ambitious – but he’s determined.
“Whether time off or not, I want to beat (Charles) Oliveira’s record for bonuses,” Goff said. “I’ve wanted to get a bonus every fight. I should’ve gotten a bonus in my debut, but whatever. I’m shooting for a bonus every time I get in there. … I’ve got 19 more to go.”
He’ll have an opportunity to knock that number down to 18 on Saturday against Fortis MMA’s Brahimaj, who has proved a tough out for all.
“He’s definitely going to be dangerous on the ground,” Goff said. “He’s got a bunch of submission wins. He’s good on the feet. I think he’s less of a threat on the feet than Ko was. I think it’s going to be a little more comfortable on the feet, and I have to be more aware on the ground.”
