Gabriel de Souza Bonfim Bio
Gabriel de Souza Bonfim, born on August 20, 1997, in Brasília, Brazil, is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Known by his ring name “Marretinha,” Bonfim is a former Legacy Fighting Alliance (LFA) Welterweight Champion and is ranked #11 in the UFC welterweight rankings as of November 18, 2025.
Early Life and Background
Bonfim was born into a large family with eleven siblings in Brasília, Brazil. His family faced hardships, including his father’s struggle with alcohol and eventual abandonment, which led his older brother and sister to work to support the household. Among his siblings is Ismael Bonfim, who is also involved in mixed martial arts.
Growing up in Brasília, Bonfim developed an early interest in combat sports, initially pursuing boxing before transitioning fully into mixed martial arts. His early exposure to fighting disciplines laid the foundation for his professional career.
Path to MMA
Gabriel Bonfim began his professional combat sports career in 2014, competing initially as a bantamweight before moving through lightweight and settling in the welterweight division by 2016. He competed in regional Brazilian promotions, amassing an undefeated MMA record of 10–0 and a professional boxing record of 5–0 with one knockout before joining larger organizations.
His early success in Brazil’s regional circuits and boxing career helped him gain recognition and opportunities to compete internationally, eventually leading to his participation in Legacy Fighting Alliance and Dana White’s Contender Series.
Gabriel de Souza Bonfim Career
Early Career (2014–2019)
During his early career, Bonfim competed primarily in Brazil’s regional MMA promotions while also maintaining a professional boxing career. He achieved a perfect 10–0 record in MMA and 5–0 in boxing, showcasing his versatile striking and grappling skills. These formative years helped Bonfim develop a well-rounded fighting style and prepared him for higher-level competition.
His success in these early years attracted attention from international promotions, setting the stage for his move to the United States and participation in Legacy Fighting Alliance.
Legacy Fighting Alliance Breakthrough (2021–2022)
Bonfim participated in the LFA Welterweight Grand Prix at LFA 112 in July 2021, where he won his semifinal bout by knocking out Brenner Alberth in the third round. Although he was removed from the final due to concussion-like symptoms, this performance marked a significant step in his career.
In March 2022, Bonfim fought Eduardo Garvon for the vacant LFA Welterweight Championship at LFA 126. Despite Garvon missing weight and being ineligible for the title, Bonfim secured the championship with a first-round arm-triangle choke submission, solidifying his status as a top welterweight prospect.
Dana White’s Contender Series and UFC Debut (2022–Present)
Bonfim earned a UFC contract after winning via Von Flue choke against Trey Waters at Dana White’s Contender Series 53 in September 2022. He made his UFC debut in January 2023 at UFC 283, defeating Mounir Lazzez with a first-round guillotine choke submission.
Since joining the UFC, Bonfim has demonstrated his grappling prowess with multiple submission victories, including wins over Trevin Giles and Khaos Williams. He has also earned Performance of the Night bonuses and Fight of the Night honors, reflecting his exciting fighting style and effectiveness inside the octagon.
Bonfim Brothers Academy Era (Present)
Currently training at Bonfim Brothers Academy in Brasília, Brazil, Gabriel Bonfim continues to refine his skills and compete at the highest level. His recent victories, including a technical knockout win over Randy Brown in November 2025, highlight his growth as a fighter and his ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground.
Driving Style and Strengths
Bonfim is known for his aggressive grappling and submission skills, with 13 of his 19 wins coming by submission. His reach and height advantage at 185 cm and 183 cm respectively, combined with his boxing background, allow him to control distance and apply pressure effectively. His strategic approach and ability to finish fights early make him a formidable opponent in the welterweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Bonfim’s career highlights are winning the LFA Welterweight Championship and securing multiple Performance of the Night awards in the UFC. His fight against Nicolas Dalby earned Fight of the Night honors despite being his only professional loss, demonstrating his resilience and entertainment value.
Gabriel de Souza Bonfim Career Wins
Gabriel Bonfim has compiled an impressive professional record of 19 wins and 1 loss across MMA and boxing. His MMA victories include 13 submissions, 1 knockout, and 2 decision wins, underscoring his dominance on the ground and finishing ability.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Since joining the UFC, Bonfim has secured multiple first-round submission victories, including his debut win over Mounir Lazzez and subsequent wins against Trevin Giles and Khaos Williams. His technical knockout victory over Randy Brown in November 2025 marked a significant milestone, earning him a Performance of the Night bonus.
Legacy Fighting Alliance Highlights
Bonfim’s tenure in the LFA culminated with winning the vacant Welterweight Championship in 2022. His performance in the LFA Grand Prix and championship bout showcased his potential and readiness for the UFC level.
Gabriel de Souza Bonfim Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Gabriel Bonfim comes from a large family in Brasília, Brazil, with eleven siblings. His older brother Ismael Bonfim is also a mixed martial artist, indicating a family involvement in combat sports. The family faced challenges due to their father’s absence, which influenced their early life and motivation.
Personal Life
Gabriel Bonfim resides in Brasília, Brazil, where he trains at Bonfim Brothers Academy. Details about his marital status or children are not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Gabriel Bonfim has continued to build momentum in the UFC welterweight division. He secured notable victories over Khaos Williams and Randy Brown, earning Performance of the Night bonuses for both. His split decision win over Stephen Thompson demonstrated his ability to compete against seasoned veterans.
Bonfim’s consistent performances have solidified his position in the top 15 UFC welterweight rankings. Training under Bonfim Brothers Academy, he maintains a strong team dynamic and looks poised for further success in upcoming bouts.