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Stephen Thompson draws surprise name for UFC return

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Mathew Riddle | Last updated May 30, 2025 1:44 PM ET

Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson is reportedly booked to return at UFC Nashville on July 12, against an opponent nobody saw coming.

Thompson is riding out the twilight years of his career. Formerly a welterweight title challenger, the Kyokushin Karate-striking specialist is currently 1-4 in his last five UFC appearances. Joaquin Buckley last knocked Thompson out at UFC 303 in October 2024.

He doesn't get an easy return at UFC Nashville.

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Report: Stephen Thompson to fight Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Nashville

Thompson is set to face 17-1 welterweight terror Gabriel Bonfim on the UFC Nashville undercard on July 12.

The news was first reported by Nolimitsu_ on X, and later given credence by reputable reporter Marcel Dorff, who revealed the event as UFC Nashville.

Stephen Thompson will fight Gabriel Bonfim at #UFCNashville on July 12th. (first rep. @Nolimitsu_) #UFC #MMA #UFCESPN #UFC2025 pic.twitter.com/OjmVwwLdqf
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) May 30, 2025

Bonfim has an impressive 94-percent finishing rate and has rebounded from his first defeat to Nicolas Dalby with wins over Ange Loosa and Khaos Williams.

UFC Nashville is headed by a heavyweight fight between Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira. We're now up to ten fights with the introduction of Thompson-Bonfim.