Gabriel Bonfim

<p data-start="44" data-end="119"><strong data-start="44" data-end="79">Early Life & Martial Arts Roots</strong><br data-start="79" data-end="82" /><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Gabriel de Souza Bonfim was born on <strong data-start="36" data-end="55">August 20, 1997</strong>, 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.</span></p> <hr data-start="121" data-end="124" /> <p data-start="126" data-end="205"><strong data-start="126" data-end="165">Professional MMA Career & UFC Entry</strong><br data-start="165" data-end="168" /><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">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 <strong data-start="169" data-end="177">17–0</strong> record, finishing <strong data-start="196" data-end="202">13</strong> opponents by submission and <strong data-start="231" data-end="236">3</strong> 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.</span></p> <hr data-start="207" data-end="210" /> <p data-start="212" data-end="284"><strong data-start="212" data-end="244">UFC Debut & Rise in Rankings</strong><br data-start="244" data-end="247" /><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">He made his UFC debut on <strong data-start="25" data-end="45">January 21, 2023</strong>, 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 <strong data-start="507" data-end="535">Performance of the Night</strong> honors.</span></p> <hr data-start="286" data-end="289" /> <p data-start="291" data-end="362"><strong data-start="291" data-end="322">Attributes & Fighting Style</strong><br data-start="322" data-end="325" /><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Standing at <strong data-start="12" data-end="20">6'1"</strong> with a <strong data-start="28" data-end="47">72.5-inch reach</strong>, 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.</span></p> <hr data-start="364" data-end="367" /> <p data-start="369" data-end="440"><strong data-start="369" data-end="400">Team & Training Environment</strong><br data-start="400" data-end="403" /><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">Bonfim trains out of <strong data-start="21" data-end="36">Cerrado MMA</strong> 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.</span></p> <hr data-start="442" data-end="445" /> <p data-start="447" data-end="518"><strong data-start="447" data-end="478">Personality & Marketability</strong><br data-start="478" data-end="481" /><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">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.</span></p> <hr data-start="520" data-end="523" /> <h3 data-start="525" data-end="551">Career Highlights</h3> <ul data-start="552" data-end="675"> <li data-start="552" data-end="593"> <p data-start="554" data-end="593"><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out"><strong data-start="0" data-end="42" data-is-only-node="">Swift success on the Contender Series:</strong> Secured a UFC contract with a first-round shoulder choke at Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2022.</span></p> </li> <li data-start="594" data-end="635"> <p data-start="596" data-end="635"><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out"><strong data-start="0" data-end="43" data-is-only-node="">UFC debut and second win by submission:</strong> Finished Mounir Lazzez (mounted guillotine) and Trevin Giles (guillotine) in back-to-back first-round performances.</span></p> </li> <li data-start="636" data-end="675"> <p data-start="638" data-end="675"><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out"><strong data-start="0" data-end="29" data-is-only-node="">Performance of the Night:</strong> Earned UFC bonus for a technical D’arce choke against Khaos Williams in February 2025, extending his UFC record to 3–1.</span></p> </li> </ul> <hr data-start="677" data-end="680" /> <p data-start="682" data-end="735"><strong data-start="682" data-end="693">Summary</strong><br data-start="693" data-end="696" /><span class="relative -mx-px my-[-0.2rem] rounded px-px py-[0.2rem] transition-colors duration-100 ease-in-out">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.</span></p>