Gabriel Bonfim secured a controversial split-decision win over Stephen Thompson at Bridgestone Arena, feeling confident in his performance despite criticism, and now aims to fight Colby Covington in Brazil.
Gabriel Bonfim walked out of Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena with a victory over former UFC title contender Stephen Thompson. Despite the backlash from the judges’ decision, he’s pleased with his performance.
Several fighters labeled his split-decision win as “trash.” Yet, Bonfim, after rewatching the match multiple times, confidently believes he secured two of the three rounds.
“I won the first and third rounds, clean,” Bonfim told MMA Fighting. “If you understand MMA, watch it again. You’ll see I won those rounds. Easy.”
He continued, “I had a great performance. We hoped for a knockout or quick submission, but instead, it was a three-round war. Some unexpected things happened in the second, but that’s a fight. We bounced back and imposed our game.”
Bonfim was sure his hand would be raised at the match’s end unless there was some home cooking by the judges in Tennessee.
“I was sure I had won,” Bonfim said. “I dominated the third round, put him down three times. It was clear who won. But being in the U.S., his home, I was a bit scared, but confident.”
Now ranked in the top 15 of the welterweight division, Bonfim aims for Colby Covington next. Covington hasn’t fought since December 2024, and Bonfim is eager for the challenge.
“I’d be happy to beat him,” Bonfim said. He suggested a fight at the UFC Fight Night in Rio de Janeiro but doubts Covington would agree. “I don’t think he’d come to Brazil. He’s not dumb [laughs].”
“I’d defend his takedowns and beat him on the feet,” he added. “Whether it’s three or five rounds, I’d definitely submit or knock him out.”