Stephen Thompson (fighter)

Last updated
Stephen Thompson
From cancer to company commander 130802-M-AR522-306 (cropped).jpg
Stephen Thompson in 2013
BornStephen Randall Thompson [1]
(1983-02-11) February 11, 1983 (age 41)
Simpsonville, South Carolina, U.S.
NicknameWonderboy
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
Division Welterweight
Reach75 in (191 cm) [2]
Style Kickboxing
Fighting out of Simpsonville, South Carolina, U.S.
TeamUpstate Karate
Pitch Black MMA
Serra-Longo Fight Team [3]
TrainerRay Thompson
Carlos Machado
Rank5th degree black belt in Tetsushin-ryū Kempo [4] [5]
1st degree black belt in Jujutsu [5]
Black belt in American Kickboxing [4]
Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Machado [6]
Years active2010–present (MMA)
Kickboxing record
Total21
Wins20
Losses0
No contests1
Mixed martial arts record
Total25
Wins17
By knockout8
By submission1
By decision8
Losses7
By knockout1
By submission1
By decision5
Draws1
Other information
Website wonderboymma.com
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Men’s Full-Contact Kickboxing
Representing Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
W.A.K.O. World Amateur Championships
Gold medal icon (G initial).svg 2005 Szeged -86kg

Stephen Randall Thompson (born February 11, 1983) is an American professional mixed martial artist and former professional kickboxer. Thompson currently competes in the Welterweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As a full-contact kickboxer, Thompson was undefeated through 37 amateur and 20 professional matches. [7] [8] Thompson is regarded as one of the most accomplished strikers in the UFC. [9] [10] As of February 20, 2024, he is #8 in the UFC welterweight rankings. [11]

Contents

Thompson is well known for his polite demeanor, and is often cited by other fighters as one of the most respectful fighters in the UFC. [12] [13] [14]

Early life

Thompson was born on February 11, 1983, in Simpsonville, South Carolina. He has two sisters and two brothers. Thompson started training at the age of three, under the guidance of his father, Ray Thompson, a former professional kickboxer and owner of Upstate Karate, a karate school in Simpsonville, South Carolina. [15] [16]

Thompson started competing in kickboxing and karate at the age of 15. [17] He holds black belt ranks in Tetsushin-ryū Kempo, [5] American Kickboxing and Jujutsu. [5] He studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Machado who is also his brother-in-law. Thompson graduated from high school in 2001 and is the Head Instructor of the children's karate program at Upstate Karate.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career in kickboxing

Thompson's father, Ray, is his trainer and manager.

As an amateur kickboxer Thompson amassed 16 titles and finished his career with a record of 37 wins, 18 by knockout and no losses. [18]

He turned professional on May 15, 2004 against Kadir Kadri who he defeated by knockout in the fifth round. [19]

On December 14, 2004 Thompson traveled to Montreal, Canada to face Eric Boudreau at "La renaissance du Kickboxing" event. He won the fight by technical knockout in the fifth round. [20]

On May 21, 2005 Thompson rematched Kadir Kadri at Martial Arts May-Hem 05 in Greenville, South Carolina. He won the fight by unanimous decision. [21]

On September 3, 2005 Thompson faced Freddie Espiricueta at the APEX – Undisputed event in Montreal, Canada. Thompson won the fight by technical knockout in the third round. [22]

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.

In 2006, Thompson joined the newly created World Combat League. He went undefeated during that year earning wins over opponents such as Antoine McRae, Armin Mrkanovic, James DeCore, Tim Williams and Carlos Tearney. [23] He was the #1 ranked fighter in World Combat League at the end of 2006.

On January 20, 2007 Thompson fought Raymond Daniels in a highly anticipated bout. [24] [25] Thompson lost the bout by technical knockout due to a knee injury he suffered that left him unable to continue. [26] However, this was later overturned into a no contest. [27]

During his recovery Thompson chose to transition from kickboxing to professional mixed martial arts.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

2012

Thompson was expected to face Justin Edwards on February 4, 2012, at UFC 143, replacing an injured Mike Stumpf. [28] However, Edwards was forced out with an injury and replaced by Dan Stittgen. [29] Thompson won the fight via KO in the first round after landing a flush head kick. [30] For his performance, Thompson was awarded Knockout of the Night honors. [31]

Thompson lost to Matt Brown on April 21, 2012, at UFC 145 via unanimous decision (30–27, 29–27, and 30–27). [32] [33]

Thompson was expected to face Besam Yousef on November 17, 2012, at UFC 154. [34] However, Thompson was forced out of the bout with a knee injury and replaced by Matthew Riddle. [35]

2013

Thompson was expected to face Amir Sadollah on May 25, 2013, at UFC 160. [36] However, Sadollah pulled out of the bout, citing an injury, and he was replaced by Nah-Shon Burrell. [37] Thompson won the fight via unanimous decision. [38]

Thompson next faced Chris Clements on September 21, 2013, at UFC 165. [39] After dropping Clements twice, Thompson won the fight via knockout in the second round. [40]

2014

Thompson faced future UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker on February 22, 2014, at UFC 170. [41] Thompson won the bout via first-round technical knockout. [42] The win also earned him his first Performance of the Night bonus award. [43]

Thompson faced Patrick Côté on September 27, 2014, at UFC 178. [44] Despite knocking Côté down in the third round and almost finishing the bout, Thompson ultimately won the fight via unanimous decision. [45]

2015

Thompson was expected to headline against Brandon Thatch on February 14, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 60. [46] However, Thompson pulled out of the fight on January 30, citing a rib injury, and was replaced by former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson. [47]

Thompson faced Jake Ellenberger on July 12, 2015, at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale. [48] He won the fight via KO in the first round and earned a Performance of the Night bonus. [49] [50]

2016

Thompson was expected to face Neil Magny on January 2, 2016, at UFC 195. [51] 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. [52] 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. [53] He won the bout via TKO in the first round. [54] The win also earned Thompson his third Performance of the Night bonus award. [55]

Thompson next faced Rory MacDonald on June 18, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 89. [56] He won the fight via unanimous decision (50–45, 50–45, and 48–47). [57]

Thompson fought for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 205, where he faced reigning champion Tyron Woodley. [58] 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. [59] Subsequently, both fighters were awarded Fight of the Night bonus awards. [60] UFC President Dana White stated that he expected that a rematch would be next for each fighter. [61]

2017

The rematch with Woodley took place on March 4, 2017, in the main event at UFC 209. [62] Thompson lost the bout 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. [63]

Thompson faced Jorge Masvidal on November 4, 2017 at UFC 217. [64] He won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision (30–26, 30–27, and 30–27). [65]

2018

As the first bout of his new multi-fight contract, Thompson faced Darren Till on May 27, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 130. [66] [67] 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 could not weigh more than 188 pounds on the day of the fight. Till also forfeited 30 percent of his purse to Thompson. [68] Thompson lost the bout via unanimous decision (48–47, 49–46, and 49–46). [69] Conversely, 22 of 25 media outlets scored the bout in favor of Thompson. [70]

2019

Thompson faced former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis in the headliner of UFC Fight Night 148 on March 23, 2019. [71] Despite outstriking Pettis for most of the bout, he lost the fight via knockout in the second round, marking the first time that Thompson had been stopped in MMA or kickboxing competition. [72]

Thompson faced Vicente Luque on November 2, 2019 at UFC 244. [73] He won the fight via unanimous decision. [74] This fight earned him the Fight of the Night award. [75]

2020

Thompson faced Geoff Neal on December 19, 2020 in the headliner UFC Fight Night 183. [76] He won the fight via unanimous decision. [77] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award. [78]

2021

Thompson faced Gilbert Burns on July 10, 2021 at UFC 264 [79] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. [80]

As the first bout of his new six-fight contract, Thompson faced Belal Muhammad on December 18, 2021 at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Daukaus. [81] [82] He lost via unanimous decision after ending up in bottom position on the ground for a large portion of each round. [83]

2022

Thompson faced Kevin Holland on December 3, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 42, in the main event. [84] He won the fight by technical knockout after Holland's corner stopped the fight after the fourth round. [85] This fight earned both the Fight of the Night award. [86]

2023

Thompson was scheduled to face Michel Pereira at UFC 291 on July 29, 2023. [87] However, at the weigh-ins, Pereira weighed at 174 pounds, 3 pounds over the non-title welterweight limit. As a result, the bout was scrapped. [88]

Thompson faced Shavkat Rakhmonov on December 16, 2023, at UFC 296. [89] He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the second round. [90]

Fighting style

Thompson is well known for his Kempo style of karate which he has trained in from an early age. This karate background is evident in the stance he adopts, as his feet stand far apart and he sits wide with his hands low. This style is very uncommon in MMA, with most fighters having a background in wrestling or jiu-jitsu, or striking arts like boxing, muay thai, or other styles of kickboxing. His footwork is described as "hopping back and forth", like other practitioners do such as Conor McGregor and Zhang Weili. The benefit of this "hopping" while in neutral is that, like the low or non-existent guard, your striking and movement becomes unpredictable. [91]

His wide, hopping karate stance allows him to cover distance and launch kicks rapidly. Analysts and fighters have praised 'Wonderboy' for his ability to keep other fighters in his range whilst staying out of theirs. [91] The risk of being knocked out compels most fighters to keep their hands up in 'guard', but Thompson, among others such as Jiří Procházka, keeps his hands very low. The benefits of a very low guard are that your punches and elbows become very hard to predict, and one is better prepared to defend against takedowns. Thompson is more suited to keeping his hands low than other fighters who adopt more orthodox MMA stances, as he can negate the risk of being hit with a clean shot to the head through his footwork and rapid movement.

Personal life

Thompson's sister is married to Carlos Machado [17] and Thompson's brother, Tony, is married to Chris Weidman's sister. [92]

In 2017, he signed a contract with international modeling agency IMG Models. [93]

Entertainment career

In 2022, Thompson made his acting debut as Sensei Morozov in two episodes of season 5 of the Netflix series Cobra Kai . [94]

Championships and accomplishments

Amateur Full-Contact Kickboxing

All championship information from WonderBoyMMA.com [95]

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
25 matches17 wins7 losses
By knockout81
By submission11
By decision85
Draws1
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss17–7–1 Shavkat Rakhmonov Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 296 December 16, 202324:56 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win17–6–1 Kevin Holland TKO (corner stoppage) UFC on ESPN: Thompson vs. Holland December 3, 202245:00 Orlando, Florida, United StatesFight of the Night.
Loss16–6–1 Belal Muhammad Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Daukaus December 18, 202135:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss16–5–1 Gilbert Burns Decision (unanimous) UFC 264 July 10, 202135:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win16–4–1 Geoff Neal Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Neal December 19, 202055:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Win15–4–1 Vicente Luque Decision (unanimous) UFC 244 November 2, 201935:00 New York City, New York, United StatesFight of the Night.
Loss14–4–1 Anthony Pettis KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Pettis March 23, 201924:55 Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Loss14–3–1 Darren Till Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Till May 27, 201855:00 Liverpool, EnglandCatchweight (174.5 lb) bout; Till missed weight.
Win14–2–1 Jorge Masvidal Decision (unanimous) UFC 217 November 4, 201735:00 New York City, New York, United States
Loss13–2–1 Tyron Woodley Decision (majority) UFC 209 March 4, 201755:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesFor the UFC Welterweight Championship.
Draw13–1–1 Tyron Woodley Draw (majority) UFC 205 November 12, 201655:00 New York City, New York, United StatesFor the UFC Welterweight Championship. Fight of the Night.
Win13–1 Rory MacDonald Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Thompson June 18, 201655:00 Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Win12–1 Johny Hendricks TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson February 6, 201613:31 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Win11–1 Jake Ellenberger KO (spinning wheel kick) The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians Finale July 12, 201514:29 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Win10–1 Patrick Côté Decision (unanimous) UFC 178 September 27, 201435:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win9–1 Robert Whittaker TKO (punches) UFC 170 February 22, 201413:43 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesPerformance of the Night.
Win8–1 Chris Clements TKO (punches) UFC 165 September 21, 201321:27 Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Win7–1 Nah-Shon Burrell Decision (unanimous) UFC 160 May 25, 201335:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss6–1 Matt Brown Decision (unanimous) UFC 145 April 21, 201235:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win6–0Dan StittgenKO (head kick) UFC 143 February 4, 201214:13 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesKnockout of the Night.
Win5–0Patrick MandioDecision (unanimous)Fight Party: Masquerade Fight PartyOctober 1, 201135:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win4–0William KuhnDecision (unanimous)Xtreme Chaos 2July 15, 201135:00 Anderson, South Carolina, United States
Win3–0Marques WorrellSubmission (rear-naked choke)Fight Party: Greenville Kage Fighting 2September 18, 201023:08 Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Win2–0Daniel FinzTKO (punches)Fight Party: Xtreme Cage Fighting 2May 22, 201013:45 Greenville, South Carolina, United States
Win1–0Jeremy JolesTKO (head kick and punches)Fight Party: Greenville Kage FightingFebruary 5, 201023:40 Greenville, South Carolina, United States

[105]

Pay-per-view bouts

No.EventFightDateVenueCityPPV buys
1. UFC 209 Woodley vs. Thompson 2March 4, 2017 T-Mobile Arena Paradise, Nevada, United States300,000 [106]

Kickboxing record (incomplete)

Professional Kickboxing record
20 Wins (10 KOs), 0 Loss, 1 No Contest
DateResultOpponentEventLocationMethodRoundTime
2007-01-20NC Flag of the United States.svg Raymond Daniels World Combat League Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Knee injury1
originally a TKO (injury) loss for Thompson, overturned to a NC
2006-11-10Win Flag of the United States.svg Carlos TearneyWorld Combat League Miami, Florida, United StatesPoints23:00
2006-Win Flag of the United States.svg Tim WilliamsWorld Combat LeagueUnited StatesKO (Head kick)1
2006-Win Flag of the United States.svg James DeCoreWorld Combat LeagueUnited StatesKO (Head kick)1
2006-Win Flag of the United States.svg Armin MrkanovicWorld Combat LeagueUnited StatesPoints13:00
2006-Win Flag of the United States.svg Antoine McRaeWorld Combat LeagueUnited StatesTKO (Referee stopapge)1
2006-01-21Win Flag of the United States.svg Jose LourieroWorld Combat League Miami, Florida, United StatesTKO (Referee stopapge)1
2006-01-21Win Flag of the United States.svg John MarzulloWorld Combat League Miami, Florida, United StatesPoints
2005-09-03Win Flag of the United States.svg Freddie EspiricuetaAPEX - UNDISPUTED Montreal, Canada TKO30:47
2005-07-02Win Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Walter Baric Montreal, Canada KO (Right cross)1
2005-05-21Win Flag of the United States.svg Kadir KadriMartial Arts May-Hem 05 Greenville, South Carolina, United StatesDecision (Unanimous)72:00
2004-12-14Win Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Eric BoudreauLa renaissance du Kickboxing Montreal, Canada TKO (Right cross)5
2004-11-06Win Flag of the United States.svg Jason ReevesIKF Full Contact Kickboxing Simpsonville, South Carolina, United StatesKO (Right cross)1
2004-05-15Win Flag of the United States.svg Kadir KadriIKF Full Contact Kickboxing Simpsonville, South Carolina, United StatesTKO (Left hook to the body)5
2002-07-19Win Flag of the United States.svg Eli ThompsonISKA 21st Century Warriors Atlantic City, United StatesTKO21:24
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes
Amateur Kickboxing record
37 Wins (18 KOs), 0 Loss
DateResultOpponentEventLocationMethodRoundTime
2005-12-05Win Flag of Russia.svg Sergei Bogdan 2005 WAKO World Championships, Final Szeged, Hungary Decision (Unanimous)32:00
Wins 2005 WAKO World Championships Full Contact Cruiserweight (-86 kg) Gold Medal.
2005-12-04Win Flag of Latvia.svg Mairis Briedis 2005 WAKO World Championships, Semi Final Szeged, Hungary Decision32:00
2005-12-03Win Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Marlon Hunt 2005 WAKO World Championships, Quarter Final Szeged, Hungary
2005-12-02Win Flag of Italy.svg 2005 WAKO World Championships, 1/8 Final Szeged, Hungary
2003-11-15Win Flag of the United States.svg Kevin EngleIKF Full Contact Kickboxing Greenville, South Carolina, United StatesDecision (Unanimous)52:00
Wins IKF World Full Contact Light Cruiserweight title.
2003-05-19Win Flag of the United States.svg Bill JardineMartial Arts May-Hem Greenville, South Carolina, United StatesDecision (Unanimous)53:00
2003-01-26Win Flag of Mexico.svg Alejandro Garcia LopezIKF Team World Cup Cancun, Mexico TKO21:07
2002-11-16Win Flag of the United States.svg Bill JardineIKF Full Contact Kickboxing Greenville, South Carolina, United StatesTKO (Ref. Stoppage/Punches)41:26
Wins IKF North American Full Contact Light Cruiserweight title.
2002-08-04Win Flag of the United States.svg John Scanlon2002 IKF USA National Amateur Championship Tournament, Final Davenport, Iowa, United StatesKO (Head kick)11:37
Wins 2002 IKF USA National Amateur Championship Full-Contact Light Heavyweight title.
2002-03-16Win Flag of the United States.svg Ruben LopezIKF Full Contact Kickboxing Augusta, Georgia, United StatesTKO (arm injury)21:24
Wins IKF South East USA Full-Contact Light Heavyweight title.
2001-11-10Win Flag of the United States.svg Nicholas DonahueIKF: The Fall Brawl 2001 Greenville, South Carolina, United StatesKO (Axe kick + punch)20:20
2001-09-09Win Flag of Laos.svg Vilavahn Seukpanya2001 IKF USA National Amateur Championship Tournament, Final Olathe, Kansas, United StatesTKO (Broken arm/Kick)10:14
Wins 2001 IKF USA National Amateur Championship Full-Contact Light Heavyweight title.
2001-07-14Win Flag of the United States.svg Claudiu BucurIKF: South East Regional Selection 2001 Atlanta, Georgia, United StatesKO (Head kick)30:50
2001-06-16Win Flag of the United States.svg Demetrius JonesIKF: Hot Summer Fights 2001 Valdosta, Georgia, United StatesTKO (retirement)12:00
2000-09-03Win Flag of the United States.svg Peyton Russell2000 IKF USA National Amateur Championship Tournament, Final Olathe, Kansas, United StatesDecision (Unanimous)32:00
Wins 2000 IKF USA National Amateur Championship Full-Contact Middleweight title.
2000-09-02Win Flag of the United States.svg Mike Mason2000 IKF USA National Amateur Championship Tournament, Semi Final Council Bluffs, Iowa, United StatesDecision (Unanimous)32:00
2000-06-24Win Flag of the United States.svg JR BarnardIKF: Hot Summer Fights 2000 Valdosta, Georgia, United StatesTKO (Referee stoppage)3
2000-05-06Win Flag of the United States.svg Keith EsskuchenIKF: Spring Showdown 2000 Augusta, Georgia, United StatesDisqualification
1999-04-17Win Flag of the United States.svg James DysonIKF: Spring Showdown 1999 Augusta, Georgia, United StatesTKO
1999-02-06Win Flag of the United States.svg Scott LeeIKF: Winter Wars 1999 Augusta, Georgia, United StatesDecision (Unanimous)32:00
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

See also

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