The UFC has stirred controversy by announcing a surprise opponent for former welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson.
Thompson is a highly recognizable name in the UFC`s 170-pound division, having competed there since making his Octagon debut 13 years ago with a memorable head-kick knockout.
Now aged 42, `Wonderboy` is still ranked within the welterweight top 15, but he hasn`t secured a win since December 2022.
Thompson`s last victory was against Kevin Holland. His two subsequent fights resulted in a submission loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov and a knockout defeat by Joaquin Buckley.
Consequently, the veteran fighter is under pressure to demonstrate that his career isn`t over this year. To do so, he`ll need to halt the momentum of a promising prospect who is currently outside the official UFC rankings.
Stephen Thompson vs Gabriel Bonfim Confirmed for UFC Nashville on July 12
The promotion abruptly announced Thompson`s comeback fight on Friday, revealing that the fan favorite will compete at UFC Nashville.
The event is scheduled for July 12 at the Bridgestone Arena and will feature a heavyweight main event between Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira.
Thompson`s matchup follows a similar pattern. The long-time contender is tasked with defending his top-15 spot against Gabriel Bonfim, an rising fighter boasting a 17-1 professional record.
The Brazilian welterweight has recorded two consecutive wins since suffering his only career defeat to Nicolas Dalby in late 2023.
Bonfim, who has only gone the distance once in his 18 professional bouts, most recently secured a submission victory over knockout specialist Khaos Williams at UFC Vegas 102.
Fans React Strongly to Opponent Choice for Stephen Thompson`s Return
It didn`t take long for MMA fans to flood the comments section with their reactions to Thompson`s surprise opponent.
Many expressed confusion and disappointment regarding the choice, especially considering that each fight could potentially be the 42-year-old`s last.
“What did Wonderboy do to the UFC?” read one comment.
“This makes no sense,” another user stated.
Some fans were critical of the promotion`s decision-making: “UFC matchmakers all need to be fired.”
“Why would they do this?” questioned another fan.
However, not everyone was against the matchup.
Some commenters saw the positive side: “Wonderboy is a solid gatekeeper.”
“LET’S GOOO,” exclaimed one excited fan.
“Nice, Wonderboy might just fight himself back into a title conversation with this,” suggested another.
“This card is an absolute banger, [I don’t care] what anyone says,” one user declared.
A number of fans also brought up Michael `Venom` Page, questioning why the UFC didn`t book the frequently discussed fight between the two distinct karate stylists instead.
Thompson, for his part, has consistently pushed back against that potential pairing, claiming that their matching styles would negate each other and lead to a cautious, point-fighting affair rather than an exciting brawl.
Percy Harlow