A recent development in Stephen Thompsonhis personal life greatly influenced his decision to retire.
Thompson (17-9-1) has to fight Charles Radtke (12-5) in their final
Ultimate Fighting Championship match at UFC 334 November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Thompson is hanging up the gloves after 14 years in the UFC and recently revealed why he is retiring.
How fatherhood affected Stephen Thompson’s retirement plans
At 43, Thompson says he doesn’t want to do any serious damage against much younger fighters. In addition, he revealed that his decision was also influenced by the birth of his now five-month-old daughter.
“I don’t see the title anymore,” Thompson told Ariel Helwan. “These guys are still young studs up and coming. I’m not trying to get hurt. But I think more importantly, I don’t know if you know this, but I have a baby girl…She just turned five months…Obviously, I’m still teaching martial arts and training and stuff. But it changes your mindset a little bit.”
Thomspon’s notable victories include victories over Robert Whittaker, Rory MacDonald, Johnny Hendricks and Jorge Masvidalamong others. “Wonderboy” struggled Tyron Woodley In 2016, drew in his first title challenge and lost a majority decision in the rematch the following year. Thompson is 12-9-1 in the UFC and continues a three-fight skid heading into his retirement.
Wonderboy opens up about his decision to retire at UFC 334: “I don’t see that title anymore. These guys are still coming. I’m not trying to get hurt. But I think more importantly, I don’t know if you know this, but I have a baby girl… She just turned five months old.”
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani)
November 9, 2026