Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson is an American mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s welterweight division. He is a former kickboxing world champion and has won several awards for his achievements in the sport, including being named Fighter of the Year by Sherdog in 2011 and 2012. He is also a highly decorated Karate practitioner, having competed and won numerous tournaments throughout his career, including three World Karate Championships titles.

Thompson was born on February 11th 1983, in Simpsonville South Carolina to Ray Thompson and Deena Jowers-Thompson. Growing up he began training karate at just four years old under his father’s tutelage; as well as boxing from age seven onwards with long time trainer Jimmiel “J-Train” Johnson. It was during these early days that Stephen developed not only his skill set but also an immense passion for martial arts which would stay with him throughout his life.

In 2005 Thompson made the move into professional kickboxing where he achieved huge success; winning multiple tournaments both nationally and internationally before becoming an official WKA world champion by 2007 – successfully defending it twice against Team USA opponent Job Yamanaka over the next two years – making him one of America’s most successful Kickboxing champions ever seen until that point in time.

His success earned him recognition within both American MMA circles as well as abroad thus allowing him to begin competing professionally within MMA when Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) signed him onto their roster of fighters back in 2012 following 18 impressive victories on regional circuits prior to this momentous occasion. Since then Stephen has gone on to put together a formidable record inside Octagon that includes some hard fought battles with fellow welterweights such as Robbie Lawler – whom he took five rounds against before Judge Raul Porrata scored points for ‘Wonderboy’ 48 – 47 leading to split decision victory – Johny Hendricks(TKO), Demian Maia (Unanimous Decision) amongst others plus notable knockouts against Jake Ellenberger & Carlos Condit just within past year alone!He even earned himself Performance of The Night Bonus after hellacious first round finish over Patrick Cote back 2016 which further solidified position near top 170 lbs rankings across board today!

As if this wasn’t enough Thompson also had chance piece history books when ultimately losing close split decision majority rules fight against Tyron Woodley UFC Welterweight Title shot 2017 so despite ultimate result remains clear Wonderboy still one toughest competitors 170lb division understanding why fans often chant “Wonderboy! Wonderboy!” whenever makes walk way or cage octagon!!