Stephen Thompson vs Gabriel Bonfim at UFC on ESPN 70 | Preview & Prediction
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
The co-main event sees another UFC veteran take on a rising Brazilian star as Stephen Thompson meets Gabriel Bonfim
Stephen Thompson vs Gabriel Bonfim facts
What time are Stephen Thompson and Gabriel Bonfim expected to walk out?
Where is UFC on ESPN 70? Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, USA
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ESPN 70? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC on ESPN 70
What TV channel is UFC on ESPN 70 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN
Where can I stream UFC on ESPN 70? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC on ESPN 70 main card
Derrick Lewis vs Tallison Teixeira (Heavyweight)
Stephen Thompson vs Gabriel Bonfim (Welterweight)
Calvin Kattar vs Steve Garcia (Featherweight)
Nate Landwehr vs Morgan Charriere (Featherweight)
Vitor Petrino vs Austen Lane (Heavyweight)
Junior Tafa vs Tuco Tokkos (Light Heavyweight)
UFC on ESPN 70 prelims
Max Griffin vs Chris Curtis (Welterweight)
Jake Matthews vs Chidi Njokuani (Welterweight)
Lauren Murphy vs Eduarda Moura (Women’s Flyweight)
Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Valter Walker (Heavyweight)
Mitch Ramirez vs Mike Davis (Lightweight)
Fatima Kline vs Melissa Martinez (Women’s Strawweight)
Stephen Thompson vs Gabriel Bonfim prediction
This has a similar dynamic to the main event: a rising Brazilian prospect faces a past-his-prime American veteran. However, unlike Teixeira, we have seen Bonfim tested. He’s faced adversity and we’ve gained insight into where his weaknesses lie.
Bonfim is at his best on the ground. A black belt in BJJ, he’s highly opportunistic with his submissions and capable of transitioning fluidly from front-chokes to control positions to back takes. If this fight hits the mat, Wonderboy will be in survival mode, looking to avoid the submission threat.
Thompson’s path to victory will be to keep this standing and control the range. At 42, he has slowed down and his reflexes aren’t what they once were. However, he still has an elite and unorthodox kicking arsenal which forces most of his opponents to proceed cautiously while trying to time his rhythm.
It is likely Thompson can have some early success here, but unless he rolls back the years and lands the sort of devastating head kick that finished the likes of Johnny Hendricks and Jake Ellenberger, Bonfim is likely to close the distance, get the fight to the ground, and secure a submission.
“Fight doesn’t go the distance” and “Bonfim by submission” both offer value, presenting viable alternatives to the 1.25 moneyline.
Prediction: Fight will not go the distance
