After dominating Belal, Gabriel Bonfim challenges Jack Della Maddalena: 'My turn to beat him up'

Marretinha celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Gabriel Marretinha He took the biggest step of his career last Saturday (6). In a dominant performance in the main fight of ufc vegas 118The Brazilian surpassed Belal Muhammad |, former welterweight champion (up to 77 kg), convincingly secured his place in the top 5. Excited by the victory, the fighter took the opportunity to challenge another former champion in the category, Jack Della Maddalena.

Immediately after having his arm raised, Marretinha used the post-fight interview to send a direct message to the Australian. Riding a five-fight win streak in the UFC, the Brazilian stated that he doesn't intend to remain among the top five in the rankings and asked for an opportunity to get closer to a title shot.

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"Jack Della Maddalena"Get ready, because you're my next opponent. I don't want to stay stuck in the top 5, I want to fight you," the fighter said while still in the octagon.

The challenge gained even more traction in an interview given to UFC Brazil backstage at the event. Confident after neutralizing one of the division's most experienced athletes, Marretinha indicated that he believes he has sufficient credentials to face JDM.

"I believe he should be my opponent because he's coming off two losses, he fought Carlos recently, and he got beaten by Carlos. It's my turn to beat him," the Brazilian declared.

The victory over Belal represented a milestone in Marretinha's career. A former champion and known for his strategic style, the veteran was considered the biggest test the Brazilian had faced in the UFC. However, throughout the five rounds, the athlete controlled the action, gained the upper hand in striking, and neutralized his opponent's main weapons.

Check out the results of UFC Vegas 118

MAIN CARD

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Gabriel Marretinha derrotou Belal Muhammad |  by unanimous decision of the judges (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)

Average weight (up to 82,9 kg): Brendan allen derrotou Edmen shahbazyan by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Tom nolan derrotou fares ziam by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Bryce mitchell derrotou Santiago luna via submission (katagatame) at 4m52s of R3

Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Iwo Baraniewski defeated Junior Tafa by knockout (punches) at 1m25s of R1

PRELIMINARY CARD

Combined weight (up to 58,9 kg): Alexander Costa derrotou Matt schnell by knockout (punches) at 2m32s of R1

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Marcus McGhee defeated John Yannis by unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Edgar Chairez derrotou Bruno silva via submission (rear naked choke) at 4m13s of R1

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Chelsea Chandler derrotou Priscilla Cachoeira via submission (armbar) at 3m42s of R1

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Joanderson Tubarão derrotou Jordan Leavitt by submission (triangle choke) at 4m19s of round 1

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Jeisla Chaves derrotou Yuneisy Duben by split decision of the judges (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Ketlen Souza derrotou Ariane Sorriso by knockout (kick) at 1:32 of R1