UFC Nashville Fight: Stephen Thompson vs. Gabriel Bonfim Odds, Schedule, and Forecast
The UFC is set to host another thrilling event on July 12, 2025, at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, with a highly anticipated welterweight matchup between seasoned veteran Stephen Thompson and the rising star, Gabriel Bonfim.
This fight promises to be a significant crossroads for both fighters, carrying major implications for their respective careers.
Stephen Thompson, age 42, is a UFC veteran known for his exceptional striking and karate-based style. However, he has faced a challenging period, losing four of his last five fights, including two recent knockout defeats. His last fight ended in a knockout loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC 307 in October 2024. Thompson is eager to bounce back and prove that he still belongs among the elite welterweights despite recent setbacks.
Gabriel Bonfim, a younger, up-and-coming fighter, aims to leverage his youth and wrestling skills to overcome Thompson's striking and experience. Bonfim is trying to break into the welterweight top 15 and establish himself as a serious contender with a win over a notable veteran like Thompson.
The fight presents a classic battle of experience and striking versus youth and grappling. Bonfim is currently seen as the betting favourite due to his momentum and grappling advantage, while Thompson must rely on his technical striking and ring IQ to regain his status.
A win for Gabriel Bonfim would mark a major career milestone, potentially propelling him into the upper echelon of the welterweight division and cementing his reputation as a rising star. For Stephen Thompson, this fight is potentially career-defining. A victory could signify that he still has what it takes to compete at the highest level and keep his UFC career alive. A loss, however, might lead to questions about his future in the sport, as fans and analysts have already expressed skepticism about his recent form and the challenge posed by an emerging talent like Bonfim.
There has been some fan backlash regarding the matchmaking, as many think Thompson might deserve a less demanding opponent after his recent struggles. However, the UFC chose to pit him against a surging prospect, emphasising the high stakes for both fighters.
Thompson himself remains optimistic and positive heading into the fight, feeling prepared and motivated to put on a highlight-reel performance, while brushing off fan pressure. The fight will be broadcast on ESPN.
This promises to be an intriguing and must-watch fight, with Thompson's exceptional striking skills, particularly his powerful kicks and precise punches, squaring off against Bonfim's well-rounded abilities and great stamina. The UFC Nashville odds are currently in favour of Gabriel Bonfim due to his well-rounded skills and stamina.
Don't miss this exciting clash of styles and contrasting career trajectories on July 12, 2025, at UFC Nashville.
Sportsbook enthusiasts can place their bets on the upcoming UFC event on July 12, 2025, at the Bridgestone Arena, as Stephen Thompson squares off against Gabriel Bonfim in a mixed-martial-arts bout. This highly anticipated fight presents an opportunity for both practitioners of the art, as a victory for Stephen Thompson might reaffirm his status as an elite welterweight, while a win for Gabriel Bonfim could potentially launch him into the upper echelons of the division.
