Legendary coach Ray Longo defended his former student Stephen Thompson following Thompson’s loss at UFC Nashville. Thompson, a former UFC title contender, was defeated by Gabriel Bonfim via a split decision in the event’s co-main fight. Despite Thompson showcasing strong moments during the bout, the judges scored against him, sparking controversy and social media backlash.
Longo argued that Thompson was the rightful winner, suggesting that if Thompson were younger, the decision would have favored him. He criticized the judges, implying external factors influenced their ruling and described the call as close to a robbery, asserting that Bonfim actually lost the fight. Thompson suffered a shin injury during the match, leaving the timing of his return uncertain, and he has not won since a 2022 victory over Kevin Holland.
UFC President Dana White showed support for Thompson after the fight, hinting that Thompson still intends to continue competing in the UFC. Although past his physical peak, Thompson remains a challenging opponent for many top fighters in the division and aims to return to title contention. Depending on the extent of his injury, Thompson might be back in the octagon by the end of the year.
Fan Take: This dispute highlights the ongoing debates about judging criteria in MMA, which can significantly impact fighters’ careers and fan perceptions. For fight enthusiasts, Thompson’s resilience and desire to return add an exciting narrative to the welterweight division, promising future thrilling matchups.
