Stephen Thompson net worth, career earnings: ‘Wonderboy’ retires with trademark spinning wheel kick knockout at UFC 334

Stephen Thompson, also known as ‘Wonderboy’ fought his last UFC fight against Charles Radtke on Saturday, November 14 at the Madison Square Garden in New York. The 43 year old mixed martial artist finished off at the UFC 334 in style by submitting Radtke. The game ended with Thompson’s trademark spinning wheel head kick to knock out Radtke.

The end even left commentator Joe Rogan in tears when he said on the broadcast, “What a way to finish your career”. Thompson was brought to tears himself before the fight when he announced that it would be his last fight.

After his win, Thompson celebrated his last fight by laying down his gloves in the ring for the last time. Looking back at the ending, the fighter said, “I have been with the UFC for almost 15 years, I couldn’t have asked for better than a spin kick, you’re going down.”


An emotional Thompson added, “I told myself I wasn’t going to cry.” He further said, “The UFC, everyone who helped get me here…my dad, my brother, my mom, my managers, but most of all we wouldn’t have this sport if it wasn’t for the fans.”

According to MMA Junkie, the thrilling match saw Radtke take down Thomspon in under a minute after the fight started, and do the same after a second time. Halfway through the third round, Thompson took out his trademark kick and knocked out Radtke.

Why did the Wonderboy retire?

During the Monday episode of ‘The Ariel Helwani Show’, Thompson talked about his decision to finally hang his gloves. He told Helwani that there were multiple reasons behind him leaving, including him no longer anticipating a title, saying “these guys are just young studs coming up…I am not trying to get hurt.”

He added that the most important reason was his daughter, who had only just turned five months old.

Also read: Are oblique kicks going to be banned from UFC? Joe Rogan reportedly leaks decision on the controversial knee-shattering move

Thompson leaves behind a wonderful 15 year long UFC career

Thompson, who belongs to Simpsonville in South Carolina, started kickboxing and karate as a 15 year old. He followed into the sport after his father Ray Thompson. Ray was a professional kickboxer and also owned his own karate school, Upstate Karate. Ray was both Thompson’s trainer and manager early on.

Throughout his early career, Thompson went on to gain black belts in Tetsushin-ryu Kempo, American Kickboxing and even in Jujutsu. After a long career in kickboxing, Thompson lost his bout with Raymond Daniel after a knee injury in 2007.

After the injury, Thompson transitioned from kickboxing to competing in mixed martial arts. This took him to the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2012. He has often been regarded as one of the most accomplished strikers in the UFC and as one of its most respectful fighters. He has challenged Tyron Woodley twice for the title. He has fought against Jorge Masvidal, Kevin Holland, Belal Muhammad, Gilbert Burns and Darren Till, with one of his best matches against Robert Whittaker.

Before his last fight, Thompson had lost five of his last six fights. His professional MMA record stands at 18 wins, 9 loses and 1 draw as he ranks at 34 among the Welterweight category.

How much has the Wonderboy made in his 15 years at the UFC?

Thompson has a net worth of about $3 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. According to MMA Calendar, Thompson’s career earnings stand at about $4.2 million, out of which $3.3 million is recorded for 20 fights. The website further notes that his best recorded pay day was worth $465,000, during his December 2020 fight against Geoff Neal.

For his debut in the UFC, Thompson was paid $12,000 with $6,000 as his salary and another $6,000 as winning bonus. He is generally paid in the range of $226,000 to $430,000 for each fight, according to MMA Calendar.