Introduction
Stephen Thompson, famously known as “Wonderboy,” has become one of the most exciting figures in mixed martial arts (MMA). His unique striking style, combined with a well-rounded skill set, has earned him a reputation as one of the best welterweights in the world. You know about theglobespot, andaazdaily, openrendz and stephen thompson record also Buzzfeed.
This article takes an in-depth look at Stephen Thompson’s professional MMA record. It will analyze his wins, losses, notable fights, fighting style, and career trajectory. You’ll get a clear picture of how his record reflects his skills, evolution, and legacy in the sport.
Early Career and Background
Stephen Thompson started his combat sports journey as a karate practitioner. Trained in karate from a young age, he developed exceptional speed, footwork, and precision. His transition to MMA capitalized on these traits, setting him apart from other fighters.
He debuted professionally in MMA in 2009. Early in his career, he built an impressive winning streak, primarily by outstriking his opponents.
Overview of Stephen Thompson’s MMA Record
As of mid-2025, Stephen Thompson holds a professional MMA record of approximately 18 wins, 6 losses, and 1 no contest. Throughout his career, his victories have come via knockout, decision, and submission, showcasing his versatility.
His record breakdown:
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Wins: 18
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Losses: 6
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No Contests: 1
Most of Thompson’s wins are by decision, but he also has several notable knockouts and a handful of submissions. This mix underlines his striking dominance and his improving grappling skills.
Fight-by-Fight Breakdown
Early Wins (2009–2012)
Thompson’s early fights often ended in quick knockouts. His karate background allowed him to outmaneuver less experienced opponents. During this period, he secured wins against lesser-known fighters, helping him build momentum.
Notable early victories include a knockout over Jason High and a unanimous decision win against Brandon Saling.
UFC Debut and Rising Fame (2012–2014)
Stephen Thompson debuted in the UFC in 2012. His first fight was a spectacular knockout of Dan Stittgen, which showcased his precision striking. This fight set the tone for his UFC tenure.
Following that, he defeated Mike Stumpf and Dan Miller via decision and knockout, respectively. His exciting style quickly made him a fan favorite.
Title Contention and Elite Matchups (2015–2016)
By 2015, Thompson was among the top welterweights. He earned a title shot against reigning champion Robbie Lawler at UFC 205. The fight was intense and ended in a majority draw, one of the most memorable MMA bouts.
His rematch with Lawler in 2016 ended in a split decision loss. These two fights demonstrated Thompson’s elite skill level and competitive spirit.
Post-Title Fight Career (2017–2025)
Since the title fights, Thompson has faced top contenders and rising stars. Notable wins include a knockout over Jorge Masvidal and decision victories against former champions Johny Hendricks and Vicente Luque.
However, losses to fighters like Tyron Woodley, Gilbert Burns, and Belal Muhammad show the challenges at the division’s top.
Breakdown by Method of Victory
Stephen Thompson’s wins come via various methods:
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Knockouts (KOs): His karate striking led to multiple spectacular knockouts. His spinning back kick KO of Jorge Masvidal stands out.
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Decisions: The majority of Thompson’s wins have come via unanimous or split decision, reflecting his tactical approach and endurance.
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Submissions: Early in his career, he secured submission wins, but these are less common now as he focuses more on striking.
Notable Fights in Detail
UFC 205 vs. Robbie Lawler (2016)
This fight was a defining moment. It ended in a draw, but it was a back-and-forth battle. Thompson showcased excellent striking, but Lawler’s resilience kept the fight competitive. The match earned Fight of the Night honors and remains one of the UFC’s greatest welterweight clashes.
UFC 217 vs. Jorge Masvidal (2017)
Thompson landed a stunning spinning back kick knockout in just 59 seconds. This KO elevated his highlight reel and demonstrated his finishing ability. The knockout remains a top moment in UFC history.
UFC Fight Night vs. Vicente Luque (2021)
In a competitive matchup, Thompson won via unanimous decision. The fight displayed his technical skills and strategic adaptability, as Luque pressed forward aggressively.
Evolution of Fighting Style
Stephen Thompson’s style evolved over his career. Early on, he relied heavily on karate-based striking, peppering opponents with precise kicks and punches. His elusive footwork made him difficult to hit.
Over time, he improved his wrestling defense and ground game. This well-roundedness allowed him to survive grappling-heavy opponents. Moreover, he developed better clinch work and counter-striking, making him more versatile.
Strengths in His Record
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Durability: Thompson has rarely been finished. Most of his losses were decisions, showing resilience.
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Striking: His precision and speed remain top-tier. His record proves his striking effectiveness.
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Fight IQ: His strategic approach often helped him win close decisions.
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Fan Engagement: Exciting fights helped maintain his popularity and draw.
Weaknesses Exposed in Record
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Grappling Vulnerabilities: Losses to grapplers like Tyron Woodley and Gilbert Burns highlight struggles against elite wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
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Close Decisions: Multiple split decision losses suggest some fights could have gone either way.
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Pace: Against aggressive fighters, sometimes he struggled to keep up the tempo.
Stephen Thompson’s Record Compared to Peers
Within the welterweight division, Thompson’s record ranks him as a perennial contender. Compared to champions, his losses are few but notable.
His high number of decision wins contrasts with knockout artists like Jorge Masvidal or Colby Covington, highlighting different fighting approaches.
Impact of Injuries and Layoffs
Like many fighters, Thompson has dealt with injuries impacting his career momentum. Periodic layoffs due to injuries affected his fight frequency and perhaps contributed to a few losses.
Nonetheless, his ability to come back and perform at a high level reflects his professionalism.
The Future of “Wonderboy”
At 37 years old (2025), Thompson still competes at an elite level. Fans expect more thrilling performances, possibly another title shot if circumstances align.
His record suggests he remains dangerous. However, rising young contenders pose challenges.
Conclusion
Stephen Thompson’s MMA record tells the story of a disciplined, technical striker with resilience and tactical skill. His journey from karate kid to UFC contender highlights evolution, adaptation, and competitive spirit.
While his record includes tough losses, his victories and iconic moments solidify his place in MMA history.
