Stephen Thompson (fighter)

Stephen Thompson[6] (born February 11, 1983) is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Welterweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He is a former full-contact kickboxer and was undefeated through 37 amateur and 58 professional kickboxing matches.[7] Thompson is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished strikers in UFC history.[8] He has trained with former UFC Welterweight and Middleweight Champion Georges St-Pierre and currently trains with his brother-in-law, former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman.[9][10] As of September 22, 2020, he is #5 in the UFC welterweight rankings.[11]

Stephen Thompson
Stephen Thompson in 2013
BornStephen Thompson
(1983-02-11) February 11, 1983
Simpsonville, South Carolina, U.S.
Nickname(s)Wonderboy
NationalityAmerican
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
DivisionWelterweight
Reach75 in (191 cm)[1]
StyleKickboxing
Fighting out ofSimpsonville, South Carolina, U.S.
TeamPitch Black MMA
Serra-Longo Fight Team[2]
TrainerRay Thompson
Carlos Machado
Rank5th degree black belt in Tetsushin-ryū Kempo[3][4]
1st degree black belt in Jujutsu[4]
Black belt in American Kickboxing[3]
Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Machado[5]
Years active2010–present (MMA)
Kickboxing record
Total58
Wins58
Losses0
Mixed martial arts record
Total21
Wins16
By knockout7
By submission1
By decision8
Losses4
By knockout1
By decision3
Draws1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

Thompson was born on February 11, 1983, in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Thompson started training at the age of three, under the guidance of his father, Ray Thompson, who was a professional kickboxer and owned a karate school in upstate South Carolina.[12] He started competing in kickboxing and karate at the age of 15.[13]

Martial arts career

Kickboxing

Thompson is the Head Instructor of the children's karate program at Upstate Karate in Simpsonville, South Carolina. He is the oldest son of Ray Thompson, who is his trainer and manager. Thompson graduated from high school in 2001. He has been studying martial arts since his pre-teens and holds black belt ranks in Tetsushin-ryū Kempo,[4] American Kickboxing and Jujutsu.[4] He studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Machado who is also his brother-in-law.

In 2006, Thompson was the #1 ranked fighter in Chuck Norris’ World Combat League.

Thompson has also been featured in Martial Arts Digest magazine, Fighter magazine and MMA Authority magazine.

Thompson has performed along with his father at the Peace Center for the Performing Arts in the “Athletes Project”, and has appeared in several TV commercials.

Thompson fought Raymond Daniels in a highly anticipated bout. Thompson lost the bout by technical knockout due to a knee injury he suffered that left him unable to continue. However, this was later overturned into a no contest.[14]

2012

Thompson was expected to face Justin Edwards on February 4, 2012, at UFC 143, replacing an injured Mike Stumpf.[15] However, Edwards was forced out with an injury and replaced by Dan Stittgen.[16] Thompson won the fight via KO in the first round after landing a flush head kick. For his performance, Thompson was awarded Knockout of the Night honors.

Thompson lost to Matt Brown on April 21, 2012, at UFC 145 via unanimous decision (30–27, 29–27, and 30–27).[17]

Thompson was expected to face Besam Yousef on November 17, 2012, at UFC 154.[18] However, Thompson was forced out of the bout with a knee injury and was replaced by Matthew Riddle.[19]

2013

Thompson was expected to face Amir Sadollah on May 25, 2013, at UFC 160.[20] However, Sadollah pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Nah-Shon Burrell.[21] Thompson won the fight via unanimous decision (29–28, 30–27, and 29–28).

Thompson next faced Chris Clements on September 21, 2013, at UFC 165.[22] He won the fight via knockout in the second round.

2014

Thompson faced Robert Whittaker on February 22, 2014, at UFC 170.[23] He won the bout via first-round technical knockout.[24] The win also earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[25]

Thompson faced Patrick Côté on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178.[26] Thompson won the fight via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, and 30–27).

2015

Thompson was expected to headline against Brandon Thatch on February 14, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 60.[27] However, Thompson pulled out of the fight on January 30, citing a rib injury and was replaced by former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson.[28]

Thompson faced Jake Ellenberger on July 12, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale.[29] He won the fight via KO in the first round and earned a Performance of the Night bonus.[30][31]

2016

Thompson was expected to face Neil Magny on January 2, 2016, at UFC 195.[32] However, Magny was tabbed as an injury replacement for Matt Brown and instead faced Kelvin Gastelum on November 21, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale.[33] In turn, Thompson was removed from the card and rebooked to face former champion Johny Hendricks on February 6, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 82.[34] He won the bout via TKO in the first round.[35] The win also earned Thompson his third Performance of the Night bonus award.[36]

Thompson next faced Rory MacDonald on June 18, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 89.[37] He won the fight via unanimous decision (50–45, 50–45, and 48–47).[38]

Thompson fought for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 205, where he faced reigning champion Tyron Woodley.[39] The fight ended in a majority draw with two judges scoring the fight 47–47 and the third 48–47 in favor of Woodley. However, there was some confusion as the result was initially announced as a split decision victory for Woodley only to be corrected moments later when the decision of a majority draw was announced, albeit with the same result of Woodley remaining champion.[40] Subsequently, both fighters were awarded Fight of the Night bonus awards.[40] UFC President Dana White stated that he expected that a rematch would be next for each fighter.[41]

2017

The rematch with Woodley took place on March 4, 2017, in the main event at UFC 209. Thompson lost by majority decision (48–47, 47–47, and 48–47). In a sample of 19 media pundits scoring the fight, five scored it in favor of Woodley, six scored in favor of Thompson, and eight scored it a draw.[42]

Thompson faced Jorge Masvidal on November 4, 2017 at UFC 217.[43] He won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision (30–26, 30–27, and 30–27).[44]

2018

Thompson faced Darren Till on May 27, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 130.[45] At the weigh-ins, Till weighed in at 174.5 pounds, 3.5 pounds over the welterweight non-title fight limit of 171. After negotiating with Thompson's team, the bout proceeded at a catchweight with the stipulation that Till can't weigh more than 188 pounds on the day of the fight. Also, Till forfeited 30 percent of his purse to Thompson.[46] Thompson lost via unanimous decision (48–47, 49–46, and 49–46).[47] Conversely, 22 of 25 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Thompson.[48]

2019

Thompson faced former UFC Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis in the headliner of UFC on ESPN+ 6 on March 23, 2019.[49] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round, marking the first time he had been stopped in MMA or kickboxing competition.[50]

Thompson faced Vicente Luque on November 2, 2019 at UFC 244.[51] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[52] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award.[53]

2020

Thompson faced Geoff Neal on December 19, 2020 in the headliner UFC Fight Night 183.[54] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[55] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[56]

Personal life

Thompson's brother-in-law is Carlos Machado.[13] Additionally, Thompson's brother is married to Chris Weidman's sister.[57]

Championships and accomplishments

Kickboxing

All championship information from WonderBoyMMA.com[58]

  • 1999 I.S.K.A Georgia State Middleweight Amateur Champion
  • 2000 I.S.K.A Southeast Middleweight Amateur Champion
  • 2000 I.K.F South East Light Middleweight Amateur Champion
  • 2000 I.K.F National Amateur Tournament Middleweight Champion
  • 2000 P.K.C National Light Middleweight Amateur Champion
  • 2000 U.S.A.K.B.F North American Middleweight Amateur Champion
  • 2001 P.K.C National Light Heavyweight Amateur Champion
  • 2001 U.S.A.K.B.F Light Heavyweight Amateur World Champion
  • 2001 W.P.K.A Light Heavyweight Amateur World Champion
  • 2001 I.K.F National Amateur Tournament Light Heavyweight Champion
  • 2002 I.K.F National Light Heavyweight Amateur Champion
  • 2002 I.K.F North American Amateur Tournament Light Cruiserweight Champion
  • 2003 I.K.F Light Cruiserweight Amateur World Champion
  • 2003 I.A.K.S.A Cruiserweight World Champion
  • 2005 W.A.K.O Cruiserweight World Champion

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
21 matches 16 wins 4 losses
By knockout 7 1
By submission 1 0
By decision 8 3
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 16–4–1 Geoff Neal Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Neal December 19, 2020 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 15–4–1 Vicente Luque Decision (unanimous) UFC 244 November 2, 2019 3 5:00 New York City, New York, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 14–4–1 Anthony Pettis KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Pettis March 23, 2019 2 4:55 Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Loss 14–3–1 Darren Till Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Till May 27, 2018 5 5:00 Liverpool, England Catchweight (174.5 lb) bout; Till missed weight.
Win 14–2–1 Jorge Masvidal Decision (unanimous) UFC 217 November 4, 2017 3 5:00 New York City, New York, United States
Loss 13–2–1 Tyron Woodley Decision (majority) UFC 209 March 4, 2017 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States For the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Draw 13–1–1 Tyron Woodley Draw (majority) UFC 205 November 12, 2016 5 5:00 New York City, New York, United States For the UFC Welterweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win 13–1 Rory MacDonald Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Thompson June 18, 2016 5 5:00 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Win 12–1 Johny Hendricks TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson February 6, 2016 1 3:31 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 11–1 Jake Ellenberger KO (spinning hook kick) The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians Finale July 12, 2015 1 4:29 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 10–1 Patrick Côté Decision (unanimous) UFC 178 September 27, 2014 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 9–1 Robert Whittaker TKO (punches) UFC 170 February 22, 2014 1 3:43 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 8–1 Chris Clements KO (punches) UFC 165 September 21, 2013 2 1:27 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Win 7–1 Nah-Shon Burrell Decision (unanimous) UFC 160 May 25, 2013 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 6–1 Matt Brown Decision (unanimous) UFC 145 April 21, 2012 3 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win 6–0 Dan Stittgen KO (head kick) UFC 143 February 4, 2012 1 4:13 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Knockout of the Night.
Win 5–0 Patrick Mandio Decision (unanimous) Fight Party: Masquerade Fight Party October 1, 2011 3 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win 4–0 William Kuhn Decision (unanimous) Xtreme Chaos 2 July 15, 2011 3 5:00 Anderson, South Carolina, United States
Win 3–0 Marques Worrell Submission (rear-naked choke) Fight Party: Greenville Kage Fighting 2 September 18, 2010 2 3:08 Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Win 2–0 Daniel Finz TKO (punches) Fight Party: Xtreme Cage Fighting 2 May 22, 2010 1 3:45 Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Win 1–0 Jeremy Joles TKO (head kick and punches) Fight Party: Greenville Kage Fighting February 5, 2010 2 3:40 Greenville, South Carolina, United States

[59]

See also

References
  1. "Fight Card - The Ultimate Fighter Finale American Top Team vs. Blackzilians". UFC.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2015. Retrieved July 14, 2015.
  2. "Sherdog: Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson".
  3. Andrew Richardson (February 2, 2016). "Fighter on Fighter! Breaking Down 'Wonder Boy'". MMAmania.com.
  4. "Stephen Thompson - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Archived from the original on July 13, 2015. Retrieved July 12, 2015.
  5. @wonderboymma (November 25, 2017). ""It's was def a blessing to have my team and family here for my brown belt promotion! (...)"". Retrieved May 26, 2018 – via Instagram.
  7. Chiappetta, Mike (2012-01-31). "After 62 Straight Kickboxing and MMA Wins, Stephen Thompson Makes UFC Debut". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2019-12-08.
  8. Ruebusch, Connor (June 22, 2016). "UFC Ottawa Judo Chop: How Stephen Thompson mastered Rory MacDonald". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved November 5, 2017.
  9. "YouTube". Retrieved 12 June 2016.
  10. "StephenThompson". Ikfkickboxing.com. Retrieved 2012-07-23.
  11. "Rankings | UFC". www.ufc.com. Retrieved 2020-09-22.
  12. "Thompson champions karate in MMA, seeks UFC welterweight title". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2018-05-15.
  13. Dundas, Chad. "UFC's 'Wonderboy' and the Re-Emergence of the Karate Master in the Octagon". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2018-05-15.
  14. "Bellator 152: Raymond Daniels on Karate, Bouts vs. Wonderboy, Page & More". youtube.com. April 4, 2016.
  15. "Stumpf injured, replacement Thompson meets Edwards at UFC 143". mmajunkie.com. January 10, 2011. Archived from the original on January 13, 2012.
  16. "Justin Edwards injured, Dan Stittgen faces Stephen Thompson at UFC 143". mmajunkie.com. January 19, 2012. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012.
  17. "Matt Brown vs. Stephen Thompson added to April's UFC 145 event in Atlanta". mmajunkie.com. February 11, 2012. Archived from the original on February 13, 2012.
  18. "Stephen Thompson Takes on Besam Yousef at UFC 154". studiomma.com. August 28, 2012. Archived from the original on October 17, 2012.
  19. "Matt Riddle replaces Stephen Thompson, meets Besam Yousef at UFC 154". MMAjunkie.com. October 29, 2012. Archived from the original on December 9, 2012.
  20. "Amir Sadollah vs. Stephen Thompson scheduled for Memorial Day weekend UFC event". bloodyelbow.com. January 28, 2013.
  21. Staff (2013-04-03). "Amir Sadollah injured, Nah-Shon Burrell now meets Stephen Thompson at UFC 160". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-04-03.
  22. Keith Grienke (2013-07-03). "Can the Menace Stop Wonderboy? Find Out UFC 165 in Toronto!". TopMMANews.com. Retrieved 2013-07-03.
  23. Matt Erickson. "UFC 170 adds Stephen Thompson vs. 'TUF' winner Robert Whittaker". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-12-18.
  24. Dave Doyle (2014-02-22). "UFC 170 results: Stephen Thompson finishes off Robert Whittaker". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-02-22.
  25. Brent Brookhouse (2014-02-23). "UFC 170 bonuses: Rousey, Maia, MacDonald and Thompson each take home $50,000". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2014-02-23.
  26. Grienke, Keith (July 13, 2014). "The Predator vs Wonderboy at UFC 178". TopMMANews.
  27. Chuck Mindenhall (2014-11-13). "Brandon Thatch set to square off with Stephen Thompson in Colorado". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-11-13.
  28. Staff (2015-01-30). "Stephen Thompson out of UFC Fight Night 60 main event, Brandon Thatch awaits a replacement". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 2015-01-30.
  29. Staff (2015-05-15). "UFC Fight Night 70 moves to Florida, gets Machida-Romero; TUF 21 Finale set for Vegas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-05-15.
  30. Mookie Alexander (2015-07-12). "TUF 21 Finale result: Stephen Thompson knocks out Jake Ellenberger with spinning hook kick". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2015-07-12.
  31. Mike Sloan (2015-07-12). "'TUF 21' Finale Bonuses: Thompson, Usman, Masvidal, Samman nab $50K". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2015-07-12.
  32. Brett Okamoto (2015-10-22). "Stephen Thompson, Neil Magny agree to fight at UFC 195". espn.go.com. Retrieved 2015-10-22.
  33. Marc Raimondi (2015-11-03). "Kelvin Gastelum vs. Neil Magny to headline TUF Latin America Finale with Matt Brown out". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2015-11-03.
  34. "Johny Hendericks vs. Stephen Thompson set for UFC Fight Night 82 on February 6 in Las Vegas". mmamania.com. 2015-12-13. Retrieved 2015-12-13.
  35. Brian Knapp (2016-02-07). "Stephen Thompson obliterates former champ Johny Hendricks in UFC Fight Night 82 headliner". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2016-02-07.
  36. Staff (2016-02-07). "UFC Fight Night 82 bonuses: 'Wonderboy' gets $50,000 for biggest win of career". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-02-07.
  37. Staff (2016-03-04). "Rory MacDonald vs. Stephen Thompson headlines UFC Fight Night 89". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-03-04.
  38. Steven Marrocco (2016-06-19). "UFC Fight Night 89 results: Stephen Thompson picks apart Rory MacDonald for decision win". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-06-19.
  39. "Woodley vs. Thompson set for UFC 205 in New York". Retrieved 2016-09-19.
  40. Mookie Alexader (2016-11-13). "UFC 205 results: Tyron Woodley retains title with majority draw vs. Stephen Thompson". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2016-11-14.
  41. Damon Martin (2016-11-13). "Dana White confirms Tyron Woodley will rematch Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson". foxsports.com. Retrieved 2016-11-14.
  42. "Woodley retains title with majority decision win". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2017-03-05."MMADecisions.com". MMADecisions.com. Retrieved 2017-03-05.
  43. Dave Doyle (2017-08-17). "Stephen Thompson vs. Jorge Masvidal set for UFC 217". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2017-08-17.
  44. "UFC 217 results: Stephen Thompson picks up unanimous nod over Jorge Masvidal". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2017-11-05.
  45. "BREAKING | Stephen Thompson vs Darren Till Set to Headline UFC Liverpool | BJPenn.com". | BJPenn.com. 2018-03-22. Retrieved 2018-03-23.
  46. Staff (2018-05-26). "UFC Fight Night 130 weigh-in results: Darren Till heavy but headliner still on (Updated)". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2018-05-26.
  47. Ben Kiely (2018-05-27). "MMA community raises a collective eyebrow over controversial Darren Till decision". sportsjoe.ie. Retrieved 2018-05-27.
  48. "Darren Till def. Stephen Thompson". mmadecisions.com. May 27, 2018.
  49. "UFC's return to Nashville set with Stephen Thompson vs. Anthony Pettis headliner". mmajunkie.com. January 19, 2019.
  50. "UFC Nashville results: Anthony Pettis battered, but rallies for one-punch stunner over Stephen Thompson". MMA Junkie. 2019-03-24. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
  51. Jose Youngs (2019-09-10). "Stephen Thompson vs. Vincente Luque set for UFC 244". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2019-09-10.
  52. Richardson, Andrew (2019-11-02). "Thompson Picks Luque Apart!". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2019-11-03.
  53. Jon Fuentes (2019-11-03). "UFC 244 Bonuses, Attendance & Gate". lowKickmma.com. Retrieved 2019-11-03.
  54. "Stephen Thompson vs. Geoff Neal in the works for UFC on ESPN+ 44 on Dec. 19". MMA Junkie. 2020-11-04. Retrieved 2020-11-07.
  55. Doherty, Dan (2020-12-19). "UFC Vegas 17 Results: Stephen Thompson Dominates Geoff Neal With Expert Striking". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  56. Sherdog.com. "UFC Fight Night 183 Bonuses: Thompson, Font, Tybura, Flick Receive $50K Checks". Sherdog. Retrieved 2020-12-20.
  57. "Stephen Thompson and Chris Weidman are part of the same family now". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2018-05-15.
  58. "Wonderboy MMA". Wonderboy MMA. Retrieved 2012-07-23.
  59. Sherdog.com. "Stephen". Sherdog. Retrieved 2019-11-03.
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