Stephen Thompson announces UFC 334 will be retirement fight
Stephen Thompson will call it a career after UFC 334.
Wonderboy has officially announced that his upcoming UFC 334 bout against Charles Radtke will be his retirement fight. The 43-year-old fighter told Ozoon that "It's my last one," adding that Madison Square Garden in New York City "is the perfect venue for this moment." Thompson, a father to a daughter born in September, explained that dedicating time to his newfound role as a parent is a priority.
Despite maintaining that his body feels strong and he is open to the possibility of a return in the future, the prospect of balancing fatherhood with the demands of a high-level fighter's lifestyle is a significant factor in his decision. Since entering the UFC, Thompson has faced a series of challenges, losing six of his past seven bouts.
Nevertheless, he has been a dominant force in the 170-pound division, earning a seven-fight winning streak from 2013-2016 that included a co-main event victory over Tyron Woodley. Other notable wins include victories over Rory MacDonald, Johny Hendricks, Robert Whittaker, Jorge Masvidal, Vicente Luque, Geoff Neal, and Kevin Holland.
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