Stephen Thompson

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.

Thompson is regarded as one of the most accomplished strikers in the UFC.

As of February 20, 2024, he is #8 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

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.

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.

Thompson started competing in kickboxing and karate at the age of 15.

He holds black belt ranks in Tetsushin-ryū Kempo, American Kickboxing and Jujutsu.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Thompson was expected to face Justin Edwards on February 4, 2012, at UFC 143, replacing an injured Mike Stumpf.

However, Edwards was forced out with an injury and replaced by Dan Stittgen.

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).

Thompson was expected to face Besam Yousef on November 17, 2012, at UFC 154.

However, Thompson was forced out of the bout with a knee injury and replaced by Matthew Riddle.

Thompson was expected to face Amir Sadollah on May 25, 2013, at UFC 160.

However, Sadollah pulled out of the bout, citing an injury, and he was replaced by Nah-Shon Burrell.