After a hard-fought showing at UFC Nashville, longtime welterweight standout Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson finally spoke out following his narrow loss to rising Brazilian star Gabriel Bonfim. Their bout ended in a razor-close split decision, with Bonfim just barely edging out the veteran — a result that could mark one of Thompson’s final walks to the UFC Octagon.
“Nashville you are amazing! To my fans, I love y’all!” Thompson said in a video posted to social media after the fight. Still upbeat, though clearly reflective, he thanked fans for their support and shared how grateful he feels to still compete on a big stage after all these years.
The 42-year-old held his own throughout all three rounds, but a brutal shin injury shifted the momentum. A checked leg kick opened a deep gash on his left leg, visibly affecting his movement mid-fight. Still, Wonderboy pressed forward — showing grit, composure, and the kind of heart that’s made him a fan favorite for over a decade.
“I’ve got to get back and heal my shin up, maybe do some more shin conditioning,” Thompson joked, before giving a shoutout to the UFC medical team. According to him, the cut went “down to the bone” and required immediate stitching after the bout.
Thompson came in ranked No. 12 in the UFC welterweight division, but with five losses in his last six appearances, questions now swirl about his future. While he may be sliding out of top-15 contention, his karate-based style, humble personality, and fan-first attitude still make him one of the most respected names in the game.
Whether or not UFC Nashville was his final chapter, Stephen Thompson left it all in the cage — and left fans with a message of gratitude. Whatever’s next, Wonderboy remains a class act in the world of MMA.
