Not many have anything bad to say about Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson … unless you’re Joaquin Buckley (or Colby Covington).
Buckley, 30, has turned a new leaf inside the Octagon in 2024. The former viral sensation is starting to reach the potential seen in his unforgettable spinning heel kick knockout from 2020, leading Buckley to the No. 11 spot in Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) Welterweight rankings.
When Buckley returns to action he’ll seek his fifth consecutive win. That stretch of success would be the longest of his 25-fight career (19-6) since he started as a 6-0 prospect. When it comes to opponent possibilities, “New Mansa” likes the idea of Thompson, and he has his reasons why.
“I’m not even trolling on this one, but I really feel like ‘Wonderboy’ be putting on a role,” Buckley told Parry Punch. “He ain’t as nice as everybody try to claim him to be. I try to keep my personality the same with everybody. I feel like ‘Wonderboy’ gave me different kind of vibes. He definitely didn’t show me no love when I was out there at International Fight Week. Trying to confuse my words and all of these things to make me look goofy in front of his friends and sh*t. Like, okay, I got you. I let things be what it is.
“I feel like ‘Wonderboy’ is the Ellen DeGeneres of MMA,” he concluded. “Seems like the nice guy on camera, but behind closed doors, that motherf*cker’s an asshole, for sure.”
Despite a rough patch that’s seen him go 1-3 in his last four fights, Thompson (17-7-1) remains a top 10 ranked competitor as the No. 8-ranked UFC Welterweight. He last fought at UFC 296 against Shavkat Rakhmonov, who defeated him via a second round rear-naked choke in December 2023 (watch highlights).
Thompson quickly caught wind of Buckley’s comments and responded with the following.
“Must’ve forgot that time he asked me for technique advice and I happily gave it to him,” Thompson replied on Twitter. “That was like a month ago. Keep talking though [smiley face emoji].”