A Family’s Journey to the UFC
The story of Gabriel Bonfim and Ismael Bonfim, two rising stars in the UFC welterweight and lightweight divisions, is a testament to the power of family and perseverance. It all began in 1996 when Orlando Bonfim and Agripina Bonfim moved from Bahia to Sao Sebastiao, Brazil, in search of a better life. Their eldest son, Odair Bonfim, who would eventually have 11 siblings, including Gabriel and Ismael, noticed something unusual in their backyard. The neighbor used the space as a karate gym, and the 10-year-old Odair was captivated. He literally carved a hole in the wall to watch the classes, falling deeply in love with combat sports.
The Beginning of a Dream
Odair’s passion for martial arts was immediate, but the family’s financial struggles made it difficult to support his interest. Orlando agreed to pay for the first month of karate classes, but after that, Odair had to find a way to continue on his own. Determined, the 10-year-old began collecting aluminum cans and other recyclables to sell at the local scrapyard, using the money to pay for his karate classes. Over the years, Odair, known as "Samuray" in the community, became a black belt in both karate and kickboxing by the age of 17.
A Family’s Struggle and Resilience
The Bonfim family expanded to 12 children, but their journey was far from smooth. Orlando, battling with alcoholism, abandoned the family, leaving Agripina to raise 12 children on her own. Gabriel and Ismael were still very young, and Agripina was always busy. Odair and one of his sisters took on the responsibility of providing for the family. "I was teaching in a gym and working as a security guard at night on the weekends," Odair recalled. "I got other jobs here and there because there were a lot of people to feed. My sister and I worked day and night, but always confident we would get it done. It wasn’t a weight on the shoulder for us, it was a matter of honor. We couldn’t leave the kids with no breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There was no luxury, it was always a battle. It was select meat and it wasn’t good [laughs], but we kept working, battling, and winning."
Building a Legacy
Odair, now a seasoned martial artist, realized that to provide for his family, he needed to open his own gym. Money was a significant obstacle, but he was determined. He started by tearing down walls in their own home to create space for gym equipment. His mother, initially upset, came to understand the importance of his vision. "We’ll buy another one later, let’s keep breaking this one," Odair told her. The gym quickly became a hub of martial arts activity in the area. One of his first students was Francisco Trinaldo, who would later join the UFC. Odair continued to teach and train, even after a knee injury forced him to retire as a competitor. By the time Gabriel and Ismael were old enough to take fighting seriously, the foundation was solid.
Rising Stars in the MMA World
Ismael made his professional MMA debut in August 2011, just as the UFC was returning to Brazil. Gabriel joined the pro ranks in late 2014. The brothers fought all over the country, building a reputation and a 24-27 combined record. Their dedication and skills caught the attention of the LFA, which gave them a shot. Both brothers excelled, going 2-0 under the LFA banner, earning spots on Dana White’s Contender Series. Ismael punched his ticket to the UFC with a decision victory over Nariman Abbasov, while Gabriel secured his place by tapping Trey Waters with a Von Flue choke.
A Family’s Triumph
Despite initial setbacks in the UFC—Ismael tapping to Benoit Saint Denis and Gabriel losing via TKO to Nicolas Dalby—both brothers rebounded in mid-2024. They returned to the octagon together at UFC Vegas 102, with Gabriel facing Khaos Williams and Ismael taking on Nazim Sadykhov. For Odair, known as Samuray, the work has doubled, but the satisfaction is immense. "It’s twice the work, but at the same time it’s great to have them both there with me," Odair said. "I have to work and run twice as much to fulfill their needs. Gabriel does 12 rounds of pad work, and then it’s time for Ismael’s 12 rounds, which means it’s 24 rounds for me [laughs]. And same thing for conditioning training. I work twice as much, but I find it very interesting because they’re there supporting each other. In the end, it’s twice the celebration. It’s very satisfying, so it’s all worth it in the end."
The Bonfim brothers’ journey from a makeshift karate class to the octagon of the UFC is a story of resilience, family, and unyielding dedication. With Odair’s guidance and the support of their community, Gabriel and Ismael continue to rise, embodying the spirit of their family and the martial arts they love.
