UFC on ESPN 73: Bonfim vs. Brown takes place on November 8, 2025, headlined by a pivotal welterweight clash between Brazil’s rising submission specialist Gabriel Bonfim and battle-tested New Yorker Randy Brown. With both men eyeing entry into the top 10, this matchup serves as a crucial proving ground for Bonfim’s continued ascent.
Gabriel Bonfim
Gabriel Bonfim (18–1) has quickly emerged as one of the most dangerous submission artists in the UFC, earning 13 of his wins via tapout and displaying a relentless finishing instinct. A former LFA champion and undefeated professional boxer (5–0), Bonfim’s style revolves around aggressive pressure, tight boxing combinations, and opportunistic grappling transitions.
Since joining the UFC, Bonfim has gone 6–1, with standout victories over Mounir Lazzez, Trevin Giles, and Khaos Williams, the latter via a slick brabo choke. His decision wins against Ange Loosa and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson showcased a newfound composure and striking patience. After a setback against Nicolas Dalby in Brazil, Bonfim rebounded impressively—sharpening his defense and pacing to complement his submission-heavy arsenal.
Gabriel Bonfim – Last 5 Fights:
Win vs. Stephen Thompson – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN 70, July 12, 2025
Win vs. Khaos Williams – Technical Submission (Brabo Choke) – UFC FN: Cannonier vs. Rodrigues, February 15, 2025
Win vs. Ange Loosa – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN 59, July 13, 2024
Loss vs. Nicolas Dalby – TKO (Knees/Punches) – UFC FN: Almeida vs. Lewis, November 4, 2023
Win vs. Trevin Giles – Submission (Guillotine Choke) – UFC 291, July 29, 2023
Bonfim’s keys are to close distance efficiently, use his jab to draw counters, and chain his takedowns into his signature choke series. His best chance lies in creating scrambles and forcing Brown into grappling exchanges, where Bonfim’s creativity and speed can overwhelm.
Randy Brown
Randy Brown (17–5) enters as one of the welterweight division’s most seasoned technicians. Standing 6’3” with a 78-inch reach, the Jamaican-American utilizes his length masterfully—relying on jabs, teeps, and sharp counters to maintain control. A veteran of 15 UFC bouts, Brown has beaten Bryan Barberena, Alex Oliveira, Francisco Trinaldo, and others, proving his ability to handle diverse styles.
Over time, Brown has refined his takedown defense and clinch awareness, enabling him to dictate range and pace. When able to fight at distance, he excels with calculated volume and feints that keep opponents guessing. However, he remains vulnerable against aggressive grapplers who can trap him on the mat. His experience across three and five-round fights gives him the endurance and tactical intelligence to frustrate younger opponents.
Randy Brown – Last 5 Fights:
Win vs. Francisco Trinaldo – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN: Dolidze vs. Curtis, May 24, 2025
Win vs. Court McGee – KO (Punch) – UFC FN: Luque vs. Neal, January 18, 2025
Loss vs. Neil Magny – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN 64, July 15, 2024
Win vs. Muslim Salikhov – Submission (RNC) – UFC 297, January 20, 2024
Win vs. Alex Morono – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC FN: Tuivasa vs. Tybura, September 16, 2023
Brown’s path to victory is clear: maintain range, punish Bonfim’s forward entries, and keep the fight standing. By circling laterally and timing intercepting knees or counters, Brown can force Bonfim into desperation shots and capitalize with volume striking.
Fight Breakdown
This matchup pits Bonfim’s aggressive submission pressure against Brown’s measured, rangy striking. Bonfim will look to close distance early, hunting takedowns and creating chaos in the clinch. Brown’s goal will be to stay disciplined—using his length to frustrate Bonfim, snipe from range, and chip away with volume.
If Brown can keep Bonfim at the end of his jab and survive early grappling scrambles, he has the tools to outpoint the Brazilian in later rounds. But Bonfim’s explosiveness, opportunistic finishing instincts, and ability to force grappling exchanges tilt the fight slightly in his favor.
Prediction
Expect Brown to have moments of control with his jab and footwork, but Bonfim’s persistence and submission threat should eventually break through. Once he closes the distance and secures a dominant position, his submission transitions could end the contest quickly.
Prediction: Gabriel Bonfim def. Randy Brown via Submission (Round 2)
A victory would propel Bonfim into the welterweight top 10 and set up a high-profile contender bout, while a Brown upset would reaffirm his reputation as the division’s most dangerous veteran gatekeeper.