Legendary coach Ray Longo has publicly supported his former fighter, Stephen Thompson, following Thompson`s contentious split decision loss to Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Nashville. Despite the official result, many fans and analysts believe Thompson, often dubbed “Wonderboy,” was the rightful winner.
The 42-year-old Thompson showcased his signature striking prowess throughout the co-main event on Saturday, landing significant shots and appearing to control much of the action. However, the judges` scorecards favored Bonfim, sparking widespread discontent on social media regarding the officiating.
Ray Longo: If Stephen Thompson was 34, they give him the win
Longo, Thompson`s former mentor, suggested that external factors, specifically Thompson`s age, might have unduly influenced the judges` decision. During a recent appearance on The Anik & Florian Podcast, Longo asserted, “He 100 percent won the fight.”
Longo drew a parallel to other controversial decisions, arguing that an up-and-coming fighter like a 34-year-old Thompson would have been awarded the victory. He emphasized that Thompson inflicted the only significant damage in the third round and, based on scoring criteria, should have prevailed. Longo deemed the outcome “almost disgraceful” and a “robbery based on the criteria,” especially since Bonfim seemed to avoid engagement in the final round.
Thompson sustained a severe shin laceration during the bout, making his immediate return to the Octagon uncertain. His last victory dates back to UFC Orlando in 2022, where he defeated Kevin Holland.
Dana White shared some good news for Stephen Thompson after UFC Nashville
Despite this recent setback, UFC CEO Dana White publicly expressed his desire for Thompson to remain with the promotion during the UFC Nashville post-fight press conference. Though potentially past his physical prime, Thompson`s unique style continues to pose a significant challenge to many top contenders in his division. His track record includes notable wins against fighters like Vicente Luque, Geoff Neal, and Kevin Holland, which has kept the hope of another title run alive for his fanbase. Depending on the extent of his injury, Thompson could potentially make a comeback before the end of the year.
