Gabriel Bonfim Submits Stephen Thompson in Co-Main Event at UFC Nashville

On July 12, 2025, the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, hosted UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira, where the co-main event delivered a gripping welterweight clash between Brazil’s Gabriel Bonfim and fan-favorite Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. Bonfim’s second-round submission victory via D’arce choke marked a significant moment in the welterweight division, showcasing his grappling prowess while raising questions about Thompson’s future at 42 years old. The fight, part of a stacked card streamed live on ESPN and ESPN+, captivated the Nashville crowd and highlighted the stylistic contrast between Bonfim’s submission artistry and Thompson’s elite striking.

Fight Overview

The welterweight bout served as the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira, a 12-fight card headlined by Derrick Lewis’s 35-second knockout of Tallison Teixeira. Held at the Bridgestone Arena, the event drew a passionate crowd, with prelims starting at 6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN+ and the main card at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN and ESPN+. The Thompson-Bonfim matchup was a classic striker vs. grappler contest, pitting Thompson’s karate-based movement against Bonfim’s aggressive ground game. Coming off a loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov, Bonfim aimed to re-enter the welterweight rankings, while Thompson, on a two-fight skid, sought to reclaim his spot among the division’s elite.

The welterweight division, led by champion Belal Muhammad, is one of the UFC’s most competitive, with contenders like Rakhmonov, Jack Della Maddalena, and Ian Machado Garry vying for title shots. This fight was pivotal for both fighters: a win for Bonfim could propel him toward the top 10, while Thompson needed a victory to silence doubters and avoid retirement talk.

• Stephen Thompson: The 42-year-old from Simpsonville, South Carolina, entered with an 18-7-1 record, including 8 knockouts. Known as “Wonderboy,” Thompson’s taekwondo and karate background made him one of the UFC’s most elusive strikers. His notable wins include Robert Whittaker, Rory MacDonald, and Johny Hendricks, but recent losses to Rakhmonov and Muhammad had dropped him from the rankings. At 6’0” with a 75-inch reach, Thompson relied on his side-on stance and pinpoint kicks.
• Gabriel Bonfim: The 27-year-old Brazilian, with a 17-2 record and 12 submissions, was a rising star in the welterweight division. Nicknamed “Marretinha,” Bonfim’s grappling-heavy style, honed at Cerrado MMA, had earned him stoppage wins in 15 of his 17 victories. His loss to Rakhmonov in 2024 was a setback, but at 5’11” with a 72.5-inch reach, Bonfim’s physicality and submission skills made him a dangerous opponent.

Thompson entered as a +200 underdog, with Bonfim favored at -245, per ESPN Bet. The Nashville crowd, known for its love of striking showcases, anticipated a stylistic clash, with posts on X hyping Thompson’s “ninja style” against Bonfim’s “ground game wizardry.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: The fight began with Thompson circling the octagon, using his signature side-on stance to keep Bonfim at bay. Bonfim, aggressive from the start, closed the distance with a jab and attempted a single-leg takedown 30 seconds in. Thompson sprawled effectively, keeping the fight standing, and landed a crisp side kick to Bonfim’s body. Bonfim responded with a low kick and a one-two combination, but Thompson’s footwork kept him out of danger. At the 2:30 mark, Bonfim secured a body lock and dragged Thompson to the canvas, landing in half-guard. Bonfim targeted a kimura but transitioned to ground-and-pound, landing elbows that bloodied Thompson’s nose. Thompson scrambled back to his feet with 45 seconds left, landing a spinning heel kick that wobbled Bonfim just before the bell. Analysts scored the round 10-9 for Bonfim due to his control time and damage.

Round 2: Thompson opened with a high kick, but Bonfim countered with a double-leg takedown at 0:40, landing in full mount. Thompson gave up his back attempting to escape, allowing Bonfim to lock in a body triangle. Bonfim methodically worked for a submission, transitioning from a rear-naked choke attempt to a D’arce choke. At 2:14, Thompson tapped out, unable to escape the tight choke. Referee Jason Herzog stopped the fight, awarding Bonfim the submission victory. The Nashville crowd, stunned by Thompson’s defeat, gave a respectful ovation as Bonfim celebrated.

Key Moments and Impact

• Bonfim’s Grappling Dominance: Bonfim’s ability to close the distance and secure takedowns neutralized Thompson’s striking. His transition to the D’arce choke in Round 2 was textbook, showcasing his submission versatility. The win marked Bonfim’s 13th career submission and his first finish since 2023.
• Thompson’s Resilience: Despite being taken down and bloodied, Thompson’s spinning heel kick in Round 1 showed flashes of his striking brilliance. However, his inability to defend Bonfim’s grappling underscored a recurring issue against wrestle-grapplers.
• Crowd Reaction: The Bridgestone Arena erupted for Bonfim’s finish, with fans chanting “Brazil!” post-fight. X posts from @ufc praised Bonfim’s “relentless pressure,” while some fans expressed concern for Thompson, with one user writing, “Wonderboy’s time might be up.”
• Controversy: Post-fight, Thompson’s coach, Ray Thompson, argued the stoppage was premature, claiming Stephen was “still fighting” in the choke. The claim drew skepticism, as replays showed Thompson clearly tapping. Bonfim dismissed the controversy, stating, “I felt him go limp; the ref did his job.”

The official result was Gabriel Bonfim def. Stephen Thompson via submission (D’arce choke) at 2:14 of Round 2. CompuBox stats showed Bonfim landing 22 of 38 significant strikes (57.9%) and securing two takedowns, while Thompson landed 15 of 29 strikes (51.7%) but had no answer for Bonfim’s ground game.

Post-Fight Reactions and Implications

In his post-fight interview with Michael Bisping, Bonfim called for a top-10 opponent, specifically targeting Ian Machado Garry or Sean Brady, saying, “I’m ready for the big names; let’s see who’s next.” The win improved Bonfim’s record to 18-2 and likely re-enters him into the welterweight top 15, positioning him for a high-profile fight at UFC 321 in October 2025. UFC President Dana White praised Bonfim’s performance, noting, “That kid’s a problem for anyone in the division.”

Thompson, now 18-8-1, was emotional post-fight, hinting at retirement: “I’m 42, been doing this a long time… I’ll talk with my family.” His third loss in four fights, coupled with his age and recent struggles against grapplers, sparked debate on X about his future.

The welterweight division remains stacked, with Belal Muhammad defending his title against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 320 in September 2025. Bonfim’s victory puts him on a collision course with top contenders, while Thompson’s loss may signal the end of an era for one of the UFC’s most beloved fighters.

Event Context and Nashville Atmosphere

The Thompson-Bonfim fight was a highlight of UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira, which featured other notable performances, including Derrick Lewis’s 35-second knockout, Valter Walker’s heel hook submission, and Roman Kopylov’s head kick KO. The Bridgestone Arena’s electric atmosphere, with fans packing the stands, amplified the co-main event’s intensity. Nashville’s fight-friendly vibe, complete with a fan zone offering live music and local food, made the event a memorable stop on the UFC’s 2025 calendar. The card’s high finish rate—five of 12 fights ended inside the distance—kept the crowd engaged, with @mmamania tweeting, “Nashville brought the chaos!”

What’s Next?

Bonfim’s win sets him up for a potential top-10 matchup, with names like Garry, Brady, or Geoff Neal as likely opponents. A strong performance in his next fight could position him for a title eliminator in 2026. For Thompson, the loss may prompt retirement discussions, though a fan-friendly bout against a striker could serve as a fitting send-off. The UFC’s immediate focus shifts to UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 on July 19, 2025, in New Orleans, but the welterweight division’s landscape was undeniably shaped by Bonfim’s statement victory.

The co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Teixeira on July 12, 2025, saw Gabriel Bonfim deliver a career-defining performance, submitting Stephen Thompson with a D’arce choke in the second round. The fight showcased Bonfim’s grappling dominance and highlighted Thompson’s struggles against wrestle-grapplers, raising questions about his future at 42. Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena provided a fitting stage for this stylistic clash, with the crowd and social media amplifying its impact. As Bonfim eyes the welterweight elite and Thompson contemplates his next move, this bout will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the UFC’s 2025 season, setting the stage for bigger battles ahead.