Stephen Thompson will leave Nashville a little worse for the wear, and with crutches.

The two-time welterweight title challenger dropped a split decision in the UFC on ESPN 70 co-main event Saturday – and it wasn’t the only split of his night. He also split his left shin open when a kick was checked, and the gash needed medical attention.

Gabriel Bonfim (18-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) outworked Thompson (17-9-1 MMA, 12-9-1 UFC) at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, and after the fight, “Wonderboy” posted a short video on social media – on crutches – showing his shin wrapped and saying that it was “split to the bone.”

Thompson lost for the fifth time in six fights. After a 13-1 start to his pro career, the decorated striker got a title shot against then-champ Tyron Woodley. He droppped a majority draw. In a rematch four months later in early 2017, he lost a majority decision. Starting with those title fights, it’s been a rough road with a 4-8-1 record. Thompson has just one win by stoppage in the past nine years, and that was a Kevin Holland retirement on the stool.

Check out Thompson’s post below.

Nashville you are amazing! To my fans, I love y’all!! Thank you for your love and support always ❤️

Pops, thank you for always being in my corner, love you!

To my team back home, thank you for all of your help for this fight camp. I felt great out there 🙏

Thank you to my… pic.twitter.com/Hem8MVqYXg

— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) July 13, 2025

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Nashville: Stephen Thompson split shin to the bone in loss

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