Gabriel Bonfim

Early Life & Martial Arts Roots
Gabriel de Souza Bonfim was born on August 20, 1997, in Brasília, Federal District, Brazil. He grew up immersed in Brazilian fight culture and began training in martial arts at a young age. Known by his nickname “Marretinha” (which roughly translates to “little hammer”), Bonfim developed a strong foundation in Brazilian jiu‑jitsu and blended it with striking skills to become a well-rounded fighter.

Professional MMA Career & UFC Entry
Bonfim began his professional MMA career in December 2014 and quickly compiled a strong record on the Brazilian regional circuit. Prior to joining the UFC, he amassed a 17–0 record, finishing 13 opponents by submission and 3 by knockout. His success earned him a spot on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2022, where he secured a first-round victory via shoulder choke, earning a UFC contract.

UFC Debut & Rise in Rankings
He made his UFC debut on January 21, 2023, at UFC 283, defeating Mounir Lazzez with a mounted guillotine choke in just 49 seconds. Bonfim followed that up with a first-round guillotine submission win over Trevin Giles at UFC 291 in July 2023. His undefeated streak in the UFC was halted in November 2023 by Nicolas Dalby via second-round TKO. However, he bounced back impressively in February 2025, earning a technical D’arce choke submission victory over Khaos Williams—a performance that garnered him Performance of the Night honors.

Attributes & Fighting Style
Standing at 6'1" with a 72.5-inch reach, Bonfim competes from the orthodox stance. His style features a dominant grappling foundation, highlighted by his ability to secure first-round submissions through chokes. He combines methodical striking to set up takedowns, making him a dangerous and diverse threat inside the Octagon.

Team & Training Environment
Bonfim trains out of Cerrado MMA in Brasília alongside his brother, often referred to collectively as the “Bonfim Brothers.” He continues to refine both his grappling and striking, benefiting from a team-centered environment and a training culture focused on discipline and technique.

Personality & Marketability
Off-camera, Bonfim is known for a quiet and focused demeanour. He lets his performance speak for itself in the cage. With a fast start to his UFC career and a reputation for finishing fights early, he is gaining attention as a rising star in the welterweight division.

Career Highlights

• Swift success on the Contender Series: Secured a UFC contract with a first-round shoulder choke at Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2022.

• UFC debut and second win by submission: Finished Mounir Lazzez (mounted guillotine) and Trevin Giles (guillotine) in back-to-back first-round performances.

• Performance of the Night: Earned UFC bonus for a technical D’arce choke against Khaos Williams in February 2025, extending his UFC record to 3–1.

Summary
Gabriel “Marretinha” Bonfim’s transition from Brazilian regional circuits to the UFC highlights a young fighter with sharp submission skills, effective striking, and a knack for early finishes. At just 27 and with a compelling blend of grappling and poise, he is positioned as a rising contender in the competitive welterweight division.