Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson

Stephen Thompson came into the UFC, he was already a highly acclaimed Karate specialist. He destroyed his first opponent, but experienced problems as he couldn’t grapple effectively. Years down the line, his fighting has improved tremendously and he has moved up ranks in the welterweight division.

One of the key principles in kicking is the pivot of the standing leg. And Thompson demonstrated it neatly in his first UFC bout against Dan Stiggen. Occasionally he does a type of short cut high kick that he used to knock out James DeCore in WCL.

But the main flaw in his game is that, he sometimes is just short of accuracy and that has cost him dearly. Missed side kicks an even successful hook kicks often expose the fighter's back momentarily.

However, he defeated Rory MacDonald at UFC Fight Night: MacDonald vs. Thompson and it will surely lead to a title shot.

One of the few old school fighters in the UFC, he has tremendous kicking abilities and he is living upto his ‘Wonderboy’ moniker.