Gabriel “Marretinha”Bonfim

Gabriel Bonfim is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the UFC welterweight division. Born in Brasília, Brazil, he began boxing at 14 and transitioned to mixed martial arts at 17, inspired by his brothers. Bonfim trains at Bonfim Brothers Academy and is listed by the UFC as a striker. He made his UFC debut on January 21, 2023, after winning a Legacy Fighting Alliance welterweight title and earning a UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series. He also holds a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and was previously a boxing teacher.

Bonfim’s UFC career has included submission victories, knockout wins and decision victories, reflecting a well-rounded approach built around striking, grappling and finishing pressure. After his first UFC defeat, against Nicolas Dalby on November 4, 2023, he described the experience as an important lesson and continued developing with his own training team. In 2025, Bonfim defeated Khaos Williams, Stephen Thompson and Randy Brown in successive UFC appearances. On June 6, 2026, he defeated former champion Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision in Las Vegas. The UFC currently lists Bonfim as active and records his nickname, “Marretinha,” as meaning “Sledgehammer” in Portuguese.