The co-main event of UFC on ESPN 70 features a high-stakes welterweight clash between striking legend Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson and rising submission artist Gabriel "Marretinha" Bonfim. The fight takes place July 12, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, and represents a crucial moment for both men—Thompson fighting to stay relevant at 42, Bonfim aiming to break into the division’s elite.

Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson is one of the most decorated strikers in MMA history, known for his karate-based style, movement, and pinpoint accuracy. A former title challenger, “Wonderboy” is a UFC veteran with wins over Jorge Masvidal, Geoff Neal, and Vicente Luque.

Currently ranked #12 at welterweight, Thompson is on the back end of his career and enters this fight following two tough losses—most recently a third-round KO defeat to Joaquin Buckley in October 2024. Despite his age, Thompson remains dangerous at range and difficult to hit cleanly when he's in rhythm. However, durability and grappling defense have become concerns.

His success often hinges on opponents struggling to close the distance or getting frustrated chasing him down. Fighters with solid pressure, grappling, or explosive power have found ways to beat him in recent years, as seen in losses to Shavkat Rakhmonov, Belal Muhammad, and Gilbert Burns.

Stephen Thompson – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Joaquin Buckley – KO (Punch) (UFC 307, October 5, 2024)
2. Loss vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (UFC 296, December 16, 2023)
3. Win vs. Kevin Holland – TKO (Corner Stoppage) (UFC on ESPN, December 3, 2022)
4. Loss vs. Belal Muhammad – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC Fight Night, December 18, 2021)
5. Loss vs. Gilbert Burns – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC 264, July 10, 2021)

Thompson remains elite at managing range and punishing aggression, but struggles when taken down or pressed against the cage.

Gabriel Bonfim

Gabriel Bonfim is a Brazilian welterweight prospect with a 17–1 record, including 13 wins by submission. A dynamic grappler with deceptive explosiveness on the feet, Bonfim represents the new generation of well-rounded Brazilian finishers.

His most recent performance—a late second-round technical submission win over Khaos Williams via brabo choke—highlighted his tenacity and craft. After suffering his first professional loss to Nicolas Dalby in late 2023, Bonfim bounced back with impressive wins over Williams and Ange Loosa.

Bonfim’s finishing instincts, especially with front chokes and arm-triangle setups, make him dangerous in scrambles and clinch transitions. However, his striking is still developing, and his lone career loss came via TKO when he couldn’t implement his grappling early.

Gabriel Bonfim – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Kalinn Williams – Technical Submission (Brabo Choke) (UFC Fight Night 251, February 15, 2025)
2. Win vs. Ange Loosa – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC on ESPN 59, July 13, 2024)
3. Loss vs. Nicolas Dalby – TKO (Knees and Punches) (UFC Fight Night 231, November 4, 2023)
4. Win vs. Trevin Giles – Submission (Guillotine Choke) (UFC 291, July 29, 2023)
5. Win vs. Mounir Lazzez – Submission (Guillotine Choke) (UFC 283, January 21, 2023)

Bonfim is a fast starter and extremely dangerous on the mat, especially in the first two rounds.

Prediction

This is a classic striker vs. grappler matchup. Thompson will look to keep the fight at kicking range, using angles and movement to frustrate Bonfim and pick him apart with straight punches and kicks. Bonfim, meanwhile, will aim to close distance, clinch, and drag the fight to the ground where he can work toward a finish.

The x-factor is whether Bonfim can safely close the gap. Thompson is still lethal with counters, but his recent fights show he’s easier to hurt and less effective when pressured. Bonfim has shown improved patience and wrestling setups since the Dalby loss, which gives confidence in his ability to take the fight to the ground.

If the fight stays on the feet, Thompson likely wins on points. But if Bonfim gets him down early, the submission threat is real.

Prediction:
Gabriel Bonfim def. Stephen Thompson via Submission (Brabo Choke) in Round 2.

Expect Bonfim to absorb some early strikes, time a level change, and wrap up a slick submission as the fight hits the mat. Thompson may land early, but Bonfim’s youth, pressure, and grappling will likely be too much.