Stephen Thompson (fighter)

Stephen Thompson (fighter)

Stephen Thompson is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Welterweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of September 22, 2020, he is #5 in the UFC welterweight rankings. Thompson started training at the age of three, under the guidance of his father, Ray Thompson, who was a professional kickboxer.

About Stephen Thompson (fighter) in brief

Summary Stephen Thompson (fighter)Stephen Thompson is an American professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Welterweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of September 22, 2020, he is #5 in the UFC welterweight rankings. 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. 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 performed along with his father at the Peace Center for the Performing Arts in the “Athletes Project”, and has appeared in several TV commercials.

He is the Head Instructor of the children’s karate program at Upstate Karate in Simpsonville, South Carolina and is the oldest son of Ray Thompson. Thompson is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished strikers in UFC history. He has trained with former UFC Welterweights Champion Georges St-Pierre and currently trains with his brother, former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman. He was undefeated through 37 amateur and 20 professional kickboxing matches. Thompson lost to Matt Brown on April 21, 2012, at UFC 145 via unanimous decision. Thompson next faced Chris Clements on September 21, 2013, atUFC 165. He won the fight via knockout in the second round.