Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson (born February 11, 1983) is an American professional mixed martial artist and former professional kickboxer. Thompson currently competes in the Welterweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As a full-contact kickboxer, Thompson was undefeated through 37 amateur and 20 matches. Thompson is regarded as one of the most accomplished strikers in the UFC. As of October 24, 2023, he is #6 in the UFC welterweight rankings. Thompson is well known for his polite demeanor, and is often cited by other fighters as one of the most respectful fighters in the UFC. Early life Thompson was born on February 11, 1983, in Simpsonville, South Carolina. He has two sisters and two brothers. Thompson started training at the age of three, under the guidance of his father, Ray Thompson, a former professional kickboxer and owner of Upstate Karate, a karate school in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Thompson started competing in kickboxing and karate at the age of 15. He holds black belt ranks in Tetsushin-ryū Kempo, American Kickboxing and Jujutsu. He studies Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Carlos Machado who is also his brother-in-law. Thompson graduated from high school in 2001 and is the Head Instructor of the children's karate program at Upstate Karate.