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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