Stephen `Wonderboy` Thompson is collaborating with a former UFC opponent he faced almost a decade ago.
The two-time welterweight title challenger is scheduled to compete this weekend in the co-main event of UFC Nashville. His opponent will be Gabriel Bonfim, a talented Brazilian fighter boasting an impressive 17-1 professional record.
At 42 years old, Thompson faces the risk of a third consecutive loss, having previously suffered stoppages against the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov and Joaquin Buckley, who knocked him out in October at UFC 307.
To prepare for a skilled submission artist like Bonfim, Thompson enlisted the help of a former world champion and rival.
Rory MacDonald Joins Thompson`s Camp for Bonfim Fight Preparation
Thompson and Rory MacDonald previously met in the Octagon in June 2016, headlining UFC Ottawa in a five-round bout. Thompson secured a unanimous decision victory, outstriking MacDonald less than a year after MacDonald`s grueling five-round war with Robbie Lawler significantly impacted his career.
The fight against `Wonderboy` marked MacDonald`s last appearance in the UFC. The former title contender went on to capture the Bellator welterweight championship in 2018 before retiring from the PFL in 2022. MacDonald`s notable wins include victories over Tyron Woodley, BJ Penn, Nate Diaz, and Demian Maia.
Despite being retired for nearly three years, MacDonald traveled to Upstate Karate in South Carolina to assist Thompson with his current training camp for the upcoming fight at UFC Nashville.
Commenting on training with his former opponent, Thompson referred to them as “OG`s.”
Thompson`s head coach and father, Ray, expressed gratitude on Instagram, writing, “Thank you Rory for your amazing help and insight for Wonderboy’s next fight!”
Sean O’Malley’s coach Tim Welch praised the collaboration, calling them “Legends.”
A fan commented on MacDonald`s involvement, saying, “Red King! It’s so good to see him still training.”
Although training with Thompson, MacDonald recently stated that he has no plans for a return to the UFC.
Rory MacDonald: A Pioneer in Training Exclusively for MMA
Stephen Thompson remains one of the UFC`s premier strikers, but the landscape of MMA is constantly evolving.
While once known as a karate specialist whose style was difficult to counter, Thompson has encountered difficulties against proficient grapplers and well-rounded competitors in recent years.
Speaking at the UFC Nashville media day, Thompson remarked on the sport`s evolution: “From when I started the game is evolving every year. I step out, everybody’s getting good.”
He added, “Everywhere. I come from an era of just specialists where you had the striking specialist in Anderson Silva, you had the jiu-jitsu specialist in Demian Maia…”
Thompson recalled that during the era of specialists, MacDonald was considered a future world champion, widely recognized for his well-rounded skills. MacDonald trained exclusively for MMA from his teenage years under Firas Zahabi, Georges St-Pierre’s coach, developing into a complete, high-level fighter.
Thompson stated, “I remember back in the day, all the talk was Rory MacDonald and how good he was everywhere.”
He contrasted that with the current scene: “[Now] everybody’s good everywhere. It’s not just one or two people.”
At 42, Thompson acknowledged his need to adapt, saying, “I’m still playing catch-up.”
