Gabriel Bonfim's Epic Win Over Stephen Thompson at UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim celebrated a major split decision victory over Stephen Thompson at UFC Nashville on July 12, 2025. His octagon interview with Daniel Cormier revealed his strategic approach and aspirations for future challenges in the UFC.
Bonfim's Victory Announcement
In a thrilling co-main event at UFC Nashville on July 12, 2025, Gabriel Bonfim secured a significant victory over veteran fighter Stephen Thompson. The official announcement came via a split decision, as highlighted in the octagon interview conducted by Daniel Cormier. Bonfim's performance marked the biggest win of his career to date, despite the controversial nature of the judges' scoring, which drew heavy boos from the crowd at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
Interview Insights with Daniel Cormier
During the post-fight conversation at around the 0:45 mark, Bonfim expressed gratitude for the opportunity to face a seasoned competitor like Thompson. He acknowledged the challenge posed by his opponent’s striking skills and emphasized his strategy to control the fight through grappling. Bonfim's composure in the octagon was evident as he discussed his game plan, which focused on neutralizing Thompson's strengths while capitalizing on his own takedown accuracy, a skill noted by UFC insights as exceptional with over 3 takedowns per minute at an 85% success rate.
Reaction to the Controversial Decision
As the split decision was read, the reaction from the audience was overwhelmingly negative, with boos echoing through the arena near the 1:30 timestamp of the interview. Bonfim remained unfazed by the crowd's response, focusing instead on the significance of this win for his career trajectory. He reiterated his respect for Thompson, recognizing the veteran's contributions to the sport while asserting his readiness to climb the welterweight ranks with this pivotal victory.
Bonfim's Future Aspirations
Towards the latter part of the discussion, around the 2:10 mark, Bonfim shared his aspirations to continue facing top-tier opponents. He expressed confidence in his evolving skill set, particularly in blending his grappling prowess with improved striking. The fighter's determination to build on this momentum was clear, as he aims to solidify his standing in the UFC welterweight division following this high-profile win at UFC Nashville.
