“Wonderboy” Booked For UFC Return in Nashville

Published by Paul Browne on May 30, 2025

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson Returns to the Cage Against Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Nashville

Veteran welterweight standout Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is set to make his Octagon return this summer, with a showdown booked against Brazilian finisher Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Nashville, taking place July 12 at Bridgestone Arena.

Thompson (17-8-1 MMA, 12-8-1 UFC), once a top title contender at 170 pounds, is hoping to halt a difficult run of form and reignite his career. The 42-year-old striking specialist is currently ranked No. 12 in the UFC’s welterweight division but has struggled to maintain momentum in recent years. His most recent fight ended in a TKO loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC 307 earlier this year. Prior to that, he was submitted by Shavkat Rakhmonov in December 2023.

Thompson’s last win dates back to December 2022, when he stopped Kevin Holland in a high-paced, fan-friendly bout. Since his pair of title fights against Tyron Woodley in 2016 and 2017—one resulting in a majority draw, the other a narrow decision loss—Thompson has posted a 4-6 record.

Despite the recent setbacks, Thompson’s legacy as one of the most technical strikers in MMA remains intact. A former world kickboxing champion, he entered the UFC in 2012 and went on a seven-fight win streak after an early loss to Matt Brown, earning wins over top names like Jake Ellenberger, Johny Hendricks, and Rory MacDonald along the way.

Bonfim (17-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC), meanwhile, represents a new generation of Brazilian talent. The 26-year-old prospect bounced back from his first professional loss with a submission win over Khaos Williams in February, once again showcasing the slick grappling that’s earned him three submission victories in his UFC tenure. Bonfim earned his spot in the promotion by submitting Trey Waters with a Von Flue choke on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022, and now looks to add a legend to his résumé.

UFC Nashville will be headlined by a heavyweight clash between fan favorite Derrick Lewis (28-12 MMA, 19-10 UFC) and unbeaten Brazilian newcomer Tallison Teixeira (8-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), promising a night full of high-impact action in Tennessee.