What Joseph Morales did, UFC opponent Matt Schnell admits he may not have been able to himself. Read MoreMMA Mixed Martial Arts News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos
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The Undeniable “Danger”: The Grit and Heart of Matt Schnell
Matthew Christopher Schnell, better known by his fitting moniker “Danger,” is a true veteran of the brutal flyweight division and a testament to the idea that perseverance and a refusal to quit define a career. Born on January 15, 1990, in Amory, Mississippi, Schnell’s journey began far from the bright lights of Las Vegas. He maximized his talent in regional combat circuits, achieving the distinction of being a Louisiana Golden Gloves champion in boxing and, later, the Legacy FC Flyweight Champion, establishing a reputation as an all-action fighter who is never in a dull bout.
The Student of the Game and the Art of the Finish
Despite his boxing foundation and a black belt in Karate, Matt Schnell’s professional record, which currently stands at 17 wins, 9 losses, and 1 No Contest (17-9-0, 1 NC), tells the story of a remarkably well-rounded martial artist. Over half of his victories have come via submission (nine in total), showcasing his unexpected yet highly effective ground game, which earned him two impressive first-round triangle choke finishes inside the Octagon. Fighting out of the highly respected Fortis MMA in Dallas, Schnell has dedicated his life to continually evolving, training alongside some of the world’s best to maintain his edge in a division notorious for its speed and technical skill. His passion for the complex strategy of MMA is deeply rooted in his life, proving that “Danger” is far more than a flashy nickname; it is a calculated approach to combat.
The Fighter Defined by Resilience
Schnell’s run in the UFC, which began with his appearance on The Ultimate Fighter 24, has been a rollercoaster that truly highlights his resilience. While he has faced some brutal losses, it is his spectacular comeback victories that etch him into the memory of fans. Most famously, his 2022 bout against Su Mudaerji, which earned him a Fight of the Night bonus, saw him take immense damage only to rally dramatically and secure a second-round technical submission, showcasing the heart and grit that few possess. His ability to weather a storm and fight through adversity, even returning from a brief sabbatical and a tough losing streak to secure a win over Jimmy Flick in April 2025, defines his character as a fighter who always answers the bell.
The Ultimate Test: Clash with a Rising Star
Now, at 35, Matt Schnell is set to welcome a highly touted new face to the upper ranks of the division. Schnell is scheduled to face the recently crowned The Ultimate Fighter 33 winner Joseph Morales. This pivotal Flyweight matchup will serve as the co-main event for UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. For Schnell, this is a quintessential veteran vs. prospect matchup. A victory over the hot-streaking Morales is essential to re-establish his footing among the top contenders and prove that the “Danger” he brings remains a formidable test for anyone aspiring to reach the top of the flyweight mountain.
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The Dual Heritage of “Rudeboy”: Getting to Know Randy Brown
The name Randy Brown, and his iconic moniker, “Rudeboy”, conjures an image of laid-back confidence and electrifying action inside the Octagon. But beneath the calm exterior is a story of dual identity, relentless persistence, and a journey spanning two nations that has defined his decade-long career in the world’s premier mixed martial arts promotion. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Randy is a proud Jamaican-American, fighting out of both Spanish Town, Jamaica, and Queens, New York. This dual heritage is what Randy stands for, representing the vibrant grit of New York and the unshakeable spirit of the Caribbean every time he steps into the cage.
A Decade of Dedication: Earning the Octagon Spot
Randy Brown’s professional odyssey began in 2014, but his big break came through one of the most unorthodox avenues in the sport: Dana White’s Lookin’ for a Fight talent search. He not only caught the eye of the UFC brass, but his personality and immense potential secured him an immediate contract, kicking off a professional journey that has since seen him amass an impressive 20 wins and 6 losses (20-6-0). Brown’s longevity and ability to continually reinvent himself are the hallmarks of a true professional. For nearly a full decade, he has faced off against the best in the Welterweight division, developing from an intriguing prospect into one of the most accomplished and well-respected veterans discovered through the UFC’s scouting programs. His journey is a testament to the belief that potential, when met with unyielding dedication, can survive and thrive at the highest level of sport.
The Long, Lean Welterweight Conundrum
Standing at six feet, three inches, Randy Brown is a physical anomaly in the 170-pound division, using his significant length and reach to create a perplexing challenge for opponents. His style is characterized by a fluid, unpredictable striking attack, honed over years of competing. In recent times, Brown has shown his evolution and peaking form, securing eight wins in his last ten outings. His most recent victory, a second-round knockout of the notoriously durable veteran Nicolas Dalby, showcased a refined killer instinct and power that he is using to propel himself up the rankings. Brown is not just a fighter; he is a calculated athlete whose performances are fueled by the desire to honor his parents and grandmother, the cornerstones of his life, who instilled the strength and drive necessary to succeed in a brutal sport.
The Road Ahead: A Main Event Spotlight
The next chapter in Randy Brown’s remarkable story is already set. At 35, he has earned his first-ever UFC main event opportunity, a rare and significant accomplishment for any veteran in the promotion. Randy Brown is scheduled to face the dangerous, rising prospect Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, USA. For Brown, this fight is a chance to prove he is not merely a gatekeeper for the next generation, but a legitimate threat ready to launch one final, serious run toward the top 10. A victory over Bonfim, who is currently ranked #14, would solidify Brown’s position as an elite welterweight contender and ensure his “Rudeboy” persona continues to demand attention on the world stage.
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Get to Know UFC Fighter Gabriel Bonfim: The Sledgehammer’s Heart
The journey of Gabriel de Souza Bonfim, known universally by his apt moniker, “Marretinha,” or “Little Sledgehammer”, is a powerful narrative of familial sacrifice, relentless dedication, and the unbreakable spirit forged in the heart of Brazil. Born August 20, 1997, in Brasília, Brazil, Gabriel and his older brother, Ismael, are now a recognized pair of fighting siblings in the UFC, but their path to the world stage was built on overcoming profound hardship.
Forge of the Bonfim Brothers
Gabriel’s roots are humble, growing up in a large family where adversity was a constant companion. When his father abandoned the family due to a struggle with alcohol, the void was instantly filled by his older siblings, who took on jobs to keep food on the table for their family of eleven. This early life lesson, that success is earned through hard work, unity, and sacrifice, became the foundation of the Bonfim family’s fighting philosophy.
The brothers, finding an outlet and a purpose, gravitated toward combat sports from a young age. Gabriel started boxing at 14, following in his brother’s footsteps, and later transitioned to MMA. His dedication was immediately apparent; he became a National Brazilian Boxing Champion and, alongside Ismael, they established the Bonfim Brothers Academy, creating a shared legacy that continues to drive their careers.
The Submission Artist’s Ascent
Gabriel’s professional record, currently standing at an impressive 18 wins and 1 loss (18-1-0), is a testament to his sheer dominance, particularly on the ground. A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, “Marretinha” is a bona fide submission specialist, with 13 of his 18 victories coming by way of submission. His arsenal of chokes, including multiple guillotine, arm-triangle, and rear-naked chokes, makes him one of the most dangerous finishers in the Welterweight division.
His journey to the UFC was explosive, marked by an undefeated professional run that included winning the LFA Welterweight Championship. In 2022, he earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series with a first-round Von Flue choke. Once in the Octagon, he continued his finishing streak, submitting his first two opponents in the first round. While a tough TKO loss to veteran Nicolas Dalby in 2023 tested his resolve, Gabriel demonstrated his unwavering will, immediately learning from the defeat to evolve and secure two consecutive wins, including a split decision victory over the legendary Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson.
The Future: A Main Event Spotlight
Now, at just 28 years old and ranked #14 in the stacked Welterweight division, Gabriel Bonfim is ready for his biggest challenge yet. He is set to headline a UFC card for the first time, facing the powerful Jamaican-American veteran Randy “Rudeboy” Brown.
Welterweights Bonfim vs. Brown will serve as the main event for UFC on ESPN 73 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, USA, on Saturday, November 8, 2025. This is a pivotal clash; a win for Gabriel would not only solidify his position as one of the division’s elite prospects but would instantly catapult him into the conversation for a Top 10 ranking. For Gabriel Bonfim, the fight isn’t just about rankings; it’s about carrying the weight of his family’s sacrifices and proving that the “Little Sledgehammer” can smash through the highest ceiling in MMA.
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