Stephen Thompson, widely known as “Wonderboy,” is a highly skilled and accomplished mixed martial artist who has made an indelible mark in combat sports. With a background in karate and kickboxing, Thompson has brought a unique and dynamic fighting style to the octagon, captivating fans and critics alike.
This article delves into the life, career, net worth, and achievements of Stephen Thompson, shedding light on his exceptional skills, memorable fights, and his relentless pursuit of excellence.
Stephen Thompson Biography Details
| Net Worth | $3 Million |
| Date of Birth | Feb 11, 1983 (40 years old) |
| Place of Birth | Simpsonville, South Carolina, U.S. |
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | American |
| Father’s Name | Ray Thompson |
| Mother’s Name | Gloria Thompson |
| Star Sign | Aquarius |
| Last Fight Earnings | $320,000 |
| Age | 39 |
| Education | Hillcrest High School |
| MMA Debut | February 5, 2010 |
| MMA Record | 16-6-1 |
| Divisions | Welterweight |
| Achievements | Number 5 ranked UFC welterweight |
| Wife | None |
| Children | None |
| Endorsements | Transparent Labs |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter, YouTube |
Stephen Thompson Early Life
Stephen Thompson, born on February 11, 1983, in Simpsonville, South Carolina, has had an impressive martial arts journey that began in his early life. With a passion for combat sports ingrained from an early age, Thompson embarked on a remarkable path of training and success.
He holds an impressive array of black belts, including a 5th-degree black belt in Tetsushin Ryu Kempo Karate, a 1st-degree black belt in Tetsu Shin Ryu Ju-Jitsu, and a black belt in American Kickboxing, boasting an unbeaten record of 20-0 and securing 15 championship titles.
Stephen’s father, Ray Thompson, a professional kickboxer and karate school owner, played a pivotal role in his training from a young age. Thompson’s dedication led him to compete in kickboxing and karate tournaments at 15. As a teenager, he further refined his skills under the guidance of Carlos Machado.
Stephen Thompson’s Career Journey
Making his professional MMA debut in February 2010 with a victory over Jeremy Joles, Thompson’s talent quickly caught the attention of UFC scouts. In February 2012, he marked his UFC debut with a remarkable win over Dan Stitgen, earning him the Knockdown of the Night accolade.
He earned the Performance of the Night honors with a victory against Robert Whittaker in February 2014. Further, he solidified his reputation by defeating Jake Ellenberger in July 2015 and Johny Hendricks in February 2016, earning him Performance of the Night bonuses.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Wins | 16 |
| Losses | 6 |
| Draws | 1 |
| Knockouts | 7 |
| Submissions | 1 |
| Decision Wins | 8 |
| Total Fights | 23 |
| UFC Record | 10-6-1 |
| MMA Record | 16-6-1 |
| Kickboxing Record | 58-0-1 |
A significant moment in Thompson’s career came in June 2016 when he triumphed over Rory MacDonald, bringing his record to an impressive 13-1. This led him to challenge Tyron Woodley for the UFC Welterweight Championship at UFC 205.
Throughout his career, Thompson has faced both triumphs and setbacks. Notably, he suffered a knockout loss against Anthony Pettis in March 2019 but rebounded with back-to-back wins over Vicente Luque and Geoff Neal. Thompson is regarded as one of the most accomplished strikers in UFC history, with an MMA record of 16 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw.
His training has been instrumental in his success, having trained with former UFC Welterweight Georges St-Pierre and working alongside his brother-in-law, former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman.
Stephen Thompson Career Acheivements
| Year | Career Achievements |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Professional MMA debut, defeating Jeremy Joles |
| 2012 | UFC debut, victorious against Dan Stitgen (Knockdown of the Night) |
| 2014 | Performance of the Night, defeating Robert Whittaker |
| 2015 | Performance of the Night, defeating Jake Ellenberger |
| 2016 | Performance of the Night, defeating Johny Hendricks |
| 2016 | Number 5 ranked welterweight in the UFC. |
| 2019 | Victory over Rory MacDonald, bringing the record to 13-1 |
| 2020 | Back-to-back wins over Vicente Luque and Geoff Neal |
| – | Number 5 ranked welterweight in the UFC |
| – | Known as one of the most accomplished strikers in UFC history |
| – | Trained with former UFC Welterweight Georges St-Pierre and current training partner Chris Weidman |
Stephen Thompson’s Net Worth
As of 2023, Stephen Thompson’s net worth is estimated at around $3 million. One of his most lucrative paydays came during his match against Tyron Woodley at UFC 205, where he took home an impressive $460,000. His rematch with Woodley at UFC 209 also proved another lucrative endeavor, earning him a substantial $410,000. According to the MMA manifesto, his reported earnings from his fight against Vicente Luque amounted to $300,000, which included showing money, a win bonus, and additional performance-based bonuses.
Stephen Thompson Endorsement Deals
Thompson is proud to endorse Transparent Labs, a leading brand specializing in vitamins and supplements. As a dedicated athlete and fitness enthusiast, Thompson’s collaboration with Transparent Labs showcases his commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and optimizing his performance.
By partnering with Transparent Labs, Thompson aims to inspire his fans and fellow athletes to prioritize their health and well-being through trusted and reliable supplements.
Stephen Thompson’s Personal Life
Stephen Thompson values his family and frequently shares moments with them on social media. His strong bond with his father is of great importance, and he has expressed that he would consider retirement if anything happened to his father. Thompson engages with fans through his YouTube channel, offering fight breakdowns and training videos. In 2017, he signed a contract with IMG Models, expanding his ventures beyond martial arts.
In 2016, rumors about Stephen Thompson’s potential romantic involvement with Octagon ring girl Red Dela Cruz were circulating. They were frequently seen together at various events during that period. However, the speculation surrounding their relationship quickly subsided within a few months. Thompson prefers to keep his relationships private, focusing on his career and maintaining privacy.
Unique Facts About Stephen Thompson
- Stephen Thompson comes from a martial arts family, with his father, Ray Thompson, being a professional kickboxer and owning a karate school.
- Thompson holds a 5th-degree black belt in Tetsushin Ryu Kempo Karate, showcasing his exceptional skills and expertise in this martial art discipline.
- Thompson boasts a remarkable 20-0 record in American Kickboxing, claiming 15 championship titles.
- In 2022, Thompson made his acting debut in the popular Netflix series Cobra Kai, portraying the character Sensei Morozov.
- Thompson signed a contract with the reputable modeling agency IMG Models in 2017.
Frequently Asked Question
What is Stephen Thompson’s net worth?
Stephen Thompson’s net worth is approximately $3 million.
What martial arts does Stephen Thompson specialize in?
Stephen Thompson specializes in Tetsushin Ryu Kempo Karate and American Kickboxing.
Has Stephen Thompson ever won a UFC championship?
No, Stephen Thompson has not won a UFC championship.
Who is Stephen Thompson’s father?
Stephen Thompson’s father is Ray Thompson, a former professional kickboxer.
When did Stephen Thompson make his MMA debut?
Stephen Thompson made his MMA debut on February 5, 2010.
How many wins and losses does Stephen Thompson have in MMA?
Stephen Thompson has a record of 16 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw in MMA.
Has Stephen Thompson acted in any TV shows or movies?
Yes, Stephen Thompson made his acting debut in the Netflix series Cobra Kai in 2022.
Does Stephen Thompson have any endorsement deals?
Yes, Stephen Thompson endorses the vitamins and supplements brand Transparent Labs.
Is Stephen Thompson currently ranked in the UFC welterweight division?
Yes, Stephen Thompson is currently ranked as the number 6 welterweight in the UFC.
Does Stephen Thompson have any siblings?
Yes, Stephen Thompson has siblings Lindsay Thompson, Evan Thompson, and Tony Thompson.
