Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Event: UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Division: Flyweight (125 lbs)
Card Placement: Preliminary Card
Broadcast: ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass
Fight Overview
In a high-stakes flyweight bout, undefeated prospect Rafael “Macapá” Estevam (13-0) takes on seasoned Brazilian grappler Felipe “Felipinho” Bunes (14-7). Both fighters are looking to climb the flyweight ladder, but their paths to victory couldn’t be more different. Estevam brings relentless wrestling and control, while Bunes is a submission specialist with dangerous finishing instincts. This clash of styles promises a tactical war with serious implications for the division.
Tale of the Tape
| Attribute | Rafael Estevam | Felipe Bunes |
| Record | 13-0 | 14-7 |
| Age | 28 | 35 |
| Height | 5’8″ | 5’7″ |
| Reach | 69″ | 69″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| UFC Record | 2-0 | 1-1 |
| Last Fight | Win vs. Jesus Aguilar (DEC) | Win vs. Jose Johnson (SUB R1) |
Fighter Breakdown
🇧🇷 Rafael Estevam – “Macapá”
Strengths:
Relentless wrestling and top control
Crisp striking with 58% accuracy
Excellent cardio and fight management
Weaknesses:
Limited finishing rate in UFC (2 decision wins)
Can be cautious against submission threats
🇧🇷 Felipe Bunes – “Felipinho”
Strengths:
BJJ black belt with 9 career submissions
Aggressive striking (4.5 significant strikes/min)
Veteran savvy and opportunistic finishing
Weaknesses:
Suspect takedown defense
Tendency to fade in later rounds
Tactical Matchup
Estevam’s Path to Victory:
Push a high pace, secure takedowns early, and smother Bunes with positional control. Avoid risky scrambles and maintain pressure through all three rounds.
Bunes’ Path to Victory:
Exploit early exchanges with aggressive striking, defend takedowns, and look for quick transitions to submissions. His best chance is in Round 1 before Estevam settles in.
Estevam’s wrestling and composure give him a clear edge against Bunes’ submission-heavy style. While Bunes is dangerous early, Estevam’s ability to grind out rounds and neutralize threats makes him the safer pick.
FIGHT ODDS
Felipe Bunes + 455
Rafael Estevam – 625
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, August 1, 2025
