Gabriel Bonfim is a Brazilian mixed martial artist, currently competing in the UFC’s welterweight division. Born on August 20, 1997, in Brasília, Brazil, he stands 6’1″ (185 cm) tall and is affiliated with the Bonfim Brothers Academy, where he trains alongside his brothers, Ismael and Isaque. Known for his aggressive striking and strong grappling skills, Bonfim has an impressive professional MMA record of 18 wins and only 1 loss, with 13 of those victories coming by submission.
Bonfim made his UFC debut on January 21, 2023, at UFC 291, where he secured a first-round guillotine choke submission victory over Trevin Giles. He continued to impress with a victory over Khaos Williams at UFC Fight Night 251 in February 2025, submitting him via Brabo choke and earning a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. On July 12, 2025, Bonfim faced veteran Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson at UFC Nashville. Despite a controversial split decision, Bonfim emerged victorious, improving his UFC record to 5-1.
Gabriel Bonfim is known for his well-rounded skill set, combining striking with a solid Brazilian jiu-jitsu foundation. His grappling is particularly strong, evidenced by his 13 submission victories. However, Bonfim has expressed a desire to improve his striking techniques to become a more complete fighter. Following his victory over Thompson, Bonfim is expected to enter the UFC’s welterweight Top 15 rankings, with a potential matchup against the winner of the upcoming fight between Carlos Prates and Geoff Neal being considered as a step toward a title shot.
Born and raised in Brasília, Bonfim began his martial arts journey with boxing at age 14 before transitioning to mixed martial arts. He is a devout Christian, incorporating his faith into his walkout rituals. His nickname, “Marretinha,” or “Little Sledgehammer,” is a nod to his powerful striking and is inspired by his brother Ismael’s nickname, “Marreta.” With his blend of striking and submission skills, Bonfim’s rapid ascent in the UFC makes him a promising contender in the welterweight division.
Early Life and Background
Gabriel de Souza Bonfim was born and raised in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil. Growing up in a family with a strong martial arts background, Bonfim was introduced to combat sports at an early age. He began boxing at the age of 14, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Ismael Bonfim, who also competes in the UFC. This familial influence played a significant role in shaping Gabriel’s passion for mixed martial arts.
Before transitioning to MMA, Bonfim achieved success in Brazilian amateur and professional boxing, earning the title of National Brazilian Boxing Champion. His striking skills laid a solid foundation for his future in MMA. Later, he expanded his skill set by incorporating Brazilian jiu-jitsu into his training, eventually earning a brown belt in the discipline. This combination of striking and grappling has made him a well-rounded and dangerous fighter in the octagon.
Career Highlights
UFC Debut and Early Success
Bonfim’s UFC journey began with a bang. In his debut fight on January 21, 2023, at UFC 291, he faced Trevin Giles. Bonfim showcased his grappling prowess by securing a guillotine choke submission in the first round, marking a successful start to his UFC career.
Continuing his momentum, Bonfim faced Khaos Williams at UFC Fight Night 251 on February 15, 2025. In this bout, he demonstrated his submission skills by executing a Brabo choke in the second round, earning a Performance of the Night bonus for his impressive finish.
On July 12, 2025, Bonfim competed against the experienced Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson at UFC Nashville. Despite the fight going to a split decision, Bonfim emerged victorious, further cementing his status as a top contender in the welterweight division.
Fighting Style and Strengths
Bonfim is known for his aggressive fighting style, combining powerful striking with a solid Brazilian jiu-jitsu foundation. His striking is characterized by crisp footwork and knockout power, while his grappling is highlighted by his 13 submission victories. This versatility allows him to adapt to various opponents and situations within the octagon.
A key aspect of Bonfim’s success is his ability to control the pace of the fight. He averages over 3.5 takedowns per 15 minutes in the UFC, showcasing his wrestling skills and ability to dictate where the fight takes place. His cardio and conditioning have been areas of focus, and improvements in these aspects have made him a more formidable opponent as he progresses in his career.
Record and Statistics
- Full Name: Gabriel de Souza Bonfim
- Nickname: Marretinha
- Date of Birth: August 20, 1997 (27 years old)
- Height: 6’1″ (185 cm)
- Weight: 171 lbs (77.6 kg)
- Reach: 72.5 inches (184 cm)
- Fighting Style: Orthodox
- Team: Cerrado MMA
- UFC Record: 5 wins, 1 loss
- Professional MMA Record: 18 wins, 1 loss
- Wins by Knockout: 3
- Wins by Submission: 13
- Wins by Decision: 2
- Losses by Knockout: 1
- Losses by Submission: 0
- Losses by Decision: 0
Bonfim’s only professional loss occurred on November 4, 2023, against Nicolas Dalby at UFC Fight Night 231. Despite this setback, Bonfim has continued to demonstrate resilience and skill in his subsequent victories.
Net Worth and Earnings
As of July 2025, Gabriel Bonfim’s disclosed career earnings amount to $100,000 USD. In his UFC debut at UFC 291, he earned a disclosed purse of $24,000 USD. His most recent fight at UFC Nashville in July 2025 resulted in a disclosed purse of $12,000 USD. These figures reflect his growing presence and success within the UFC, with potential for increased earnings as his career progresses.
Personal Life
Outside the octagon, Gabriel Bonfim is known for his strong Christian faith, which he often expresses during his walkout rituals. He is deeply connected to his family, particularly his older brother Ismael Bonfim, who also competes in the UFC. The Bonfim brothers train together at the Bonfim Brothers Academy, a gym that emphasizes family values and discipline in martial arts.
Bonfim’s journey from a young boxer in Brasília to a rising star in the UFC is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for martial arts. His commitment to improving his skills and his ability to adapt to different fighting styles have made him a formidable competitor in the welterweight division.
Conclusion
Gabriel Bonfim’s rapid rise in the UFC welterweight division showcases his exceptional talent and determination. With a well-rounded skill set, a strong work ethic, and a supportive family background, Bonfim is poised to become a significant figure in the world of mixed martial arts. As he continues to evolve and face top-tier competition, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how far his career will go.
FAQs
What is Gabriel Bonfim’s fighting style?
Gabriel Bonfim combines aggressive striking with a solid Brazilian jiu-jitsu foundation, making him a versatile and dangerous fighter in the octagon.
When did Gabriel Bonfim make his UFC debut?
He made his UFC debut on January 21, 2023, at UFC 291, where he secured a first-round guillotine choke submission victory over Trevin Giles.
What is Gabriel Bonfim’s professional MMA record?
As of July 2025, Bonfim holds a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 1 loss, with 13 victories by submission.
Who is Gabriel Bonfim’s older brother?
His older brother, Ismael Bonfim, is also a professional mixed martial artist who competes in the UFC.
What is Gabriel Bonfim’s nickname?
His nickname is Marretinha, which translates to “Little Sledgehammer” in Portuguese.
Where does Gabriel Bonfim train?
Gabriel Bonfim trains at the Bonfim Brothers Academy in Brasília, Brazil.
What is Gabriel Bonfim’s nationality?
Gabriel Bonfim is Brazilian, born in Brasília, Brazil, on August 20, 1997. He represents his country in the UFC’s welterweight division, showcasing his Brazilian fighting spirit in the octagon.
What is Gabriel Bonfim’s height and weight?
Gabriel Bonfim stands 6’1″ (185 cm) tall and competes in the welterweight division at a weight of 171 lbs (77.6 kg).
What is Gabriel Bonfim’s most notable victory in the UFC?
One of Bonfim’s most notable victories came on February 15, 2025, at UFC Fight Night 251, where he submitted Khaos Williams with a Brabo choke in the second round. This win earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, further solidifying his reputation as a submission specialist. (tapology.com)
What is Gabriel Bonfim’s current UFC record?
As of July 2025, Gabriel Bonfim holds a UFC record of 5 wins and 1 loss. Despite his lone loss to Nicolas Dalby at UFC Fight Night 231 in November 2023, Bonfim has continued to improve and deliver strong performances, making him a rising contender in the welterweight division.
