Stephen Thompson Retires After Spinning-Kick Knockout at UFC 334

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson closed his mixed martial arts career with a signature finish at UFC 334, stopping Charles Radtke with a spinning kick in the third round. The 43-year-old had said the bout at Madison Square Garden in New York would be his last. He leaves the sport after 28 professional fights and two UFC welterweight title challenges.

Radtke pressured Thompson early and used wrestling to control much of the opening round. Thompson worked back to his feet and found more room for his striking in the second, hurting Radtke near the end of the round.

As Radtke tired in the third, Thompson increased his attacks before landing a spinning hook kick that sent his opponent to the canvas. In a post-fight interview, Thompson said he could not have asked for a better way to finish his UFC run.

A UFC fighter since 2012, Thompson first challenged Tyron Woodley for the welterweight title at UFC 205. Their bout ended in a draw, and Woodley won their rematch by majority decision at UFC 209. Thompson also earned multiple post-fight bonuses during his career.

His final victory came after a three-fight losing streak, which included defeats to Shavkat Rakhmonov, Joaquin Buckley and Gabriel Bonfim. Thompson’s last win before UFC 334 was against Kevin Holland in 2022.