MMA Match Preview: Felipe Bunes (13-0) vs. Rafael Estevam (14-7)

Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Event: UFC Fight Night: Taira vs. Park
Location: UFC Apex, Las Vegas, Nevada
Division: Flyweight (125 lbs)
Card Placement: Preliminary Card
Broadcast: ESPN+ / UFC Fight Pass

Fight Overview

In a high-stakes flyweight bout, undefeated prospect Rafael “Macapá” Estevam (13-0) takes on seasoned Brazilian grappler Felipe “Felipinho” Bunes (14-7). Both fighters are looking to climb the flyweight ladder, but their paths to victory couldn’t be more different. Estevam brings relentless wrestling and control, while Bunes is a submission specialist with dangerous finishing instincts. This clash of styles promises a tactical war with serious implications for the division.

Tale of the Tape

Attribute	Rafael Estevam	Felipe Bunes
Record	13-0	14-7
Age	28	35
Height	5’8″	5’7″
Reach	69″	69″
Stance	Orthodox	Orthodox
UFC Record	2-0	1-1
Last Fight	Win vs. Jesus Aguilar (DEC)	Win vs. Jose Johnson (SUB R1)

Fighter Breakdown

🇧🇷 Rafael Estevam – “Macapá”

Strengths:

Relentless wrestling and top control

Crisp striking with 58% accuracy

Excellent cardio and fight management

Weaknesses:

Limited finishing rate in UFC (2 decision wins)

Can be cautious against submission threats

🇧🇷 Felipe Bunes – “Felipinho”

Strengths:

BJJ black belt with 9 career submissions

Aggressive striking (4.5 significant strikes/min)

Veteran savvy and opportunistic finishing

Weaknesses:

Suspect takedown defense

Tendency to fade in later rounds

Tactical Matchup

Estevam’s Path to Victory:
Push a high pace, secure takedowns early, and smother Bunes with positional control. Avoid risky scrambles and maintain pressure through all three rounds.

Bunes’ Path to Victory:
Exploit early exchanges with aggressive striking, defend takedowns, and look for quick transitions to submissions. His best chance is in Round 1 before Estevam settles in.

Estevam’s wrestling and composure give him a clear edge against Bunes’ submission-heavy style. While Bunes is dangerous early, Estevam’s ability to grind out rounds and neutralize threats makes him the safer pick.