A classic striker vs grappler matchup headlines the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs Teixeira as veteran karate specialist Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (17–8–1) faces surging Brazilian submission artist Gabriel “Marretinha” Bonfim (17–1) at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. With legacy, rankings, and momentum on the line, this bout could mark a turning point for both fighters.
Fight Details
| Event | Info |
| Date | Saturday, July 12, 2025 |
| Location | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville |
| Time | Co-Main Event ~10:00 PM ET |
| Broadcast | ESPN / ESPN+ |
| Weight Class | Welterweight (170 lbs) |
| Rounds | 3 |
Fighter Breakdown
🇺🇸 Stephen Thompson
Age: 42
Height/Reach: 6’0″ / 75″
Stance: Orthodox
Team: Upstate Karate
Record: 17–8–1 (7 KO, 1 SUB)
Recent Form: KO loss to Joaquin Buckley; submission loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov
Strengths: Karate-based striking, footwork, counter-punching, fight IQ
Weaknesses: Grappling defense, age-related decline, finishing power fade
Thompson remains one of the most technically gifted strikers in UFC history. His side kicks, lateral movement, and range control can frustrate aggressive opponents—but his takedown defense (63%) and recent stoppage losses raise concerns.
🇧🇷 Gabriel Bonfim
Age: 27
Height/Reach: 6’1″ / 72.5″
Stance: Orthodox
Team: Cerrado MMA
Record: 17–1 (13 SUB, 3 KO)
Recent Form: Submission win over Khaos Williams; UD win vs Ange Loosa
Strengths: Grappling, submission setups, pressure, cardio
Weaknesses: Striking defense, risk-taking in exchanges
Bonfim is a relentless finisher with elite grappling metrics—3.68 takedowns per 15 minutes at 76% accuracy, and 2.2 submissions per fight. He blends boxing pressure with level changes and thrives in scrambles.
Tale of the Tape
| Attribute | Thompson | Bonfim |
| Strikes Landed/Min | 4.11 | 5.22 |
| Striking Accuracy | 46% | 43% |
| Strikes Absorbed/Min | 3.02 | 3.80 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 41% | 76% |
| Takedown Defense | 63% | 73% |
| Sub Attempts/15 Min | 0.0 | 2.2 |
Key Storylines
Youth vs Experience: Thompson is 15 years older and fighting to stay relevant; Bonfim is climbing toward the top 15.
Striker vs Grappler: Thompson’s karate vs Bonfim’s jiu-jitsu—who controls the range and rhythm?
Legacy Stakes: A third straight stoppage loss could signal the end for “Wonderboy”; Bonfim seeks a signature win to break into contender status.
Training Camp Twist: Thompson brought in retired legend Rory MacDonald to help prepare for Bonfim’s grappling.
FIGHT ODDS
Stephen Thompson + 350
Gabriel Bonfim – 460
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, July 11, 2025
