‘Trash decision’: Pros react to Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson’s narrow loss at UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim won over the judges, if not the fans at UFC Nashville.
Employing a grappling-heavy attack, Bonfim did just enough to earn a decision over Stephen Thompson in Saturday’s co-main event at Bridgestone Arena... at least according to two of the three judges scoring the fight. Judges Mike Bell and Dave Tirelli both saw the fight 29-28 for Bonfim, giving the Brazilian the split call.
Fans in the arena immediately reacted with boos, though “Wonderboy” did his best to quell the outrage, inviting Bonfim to climb the cage with him in a classy show of respect. That didn’t stop their fellow fighters from chiming in on the verdict, however, with several questioning the judges’ decision.
Bantamweight veteran Vince Morales got straight to the point, calling the verdict a “trash decision” in a tweet.
“We gotta stop rewarding half failed takedowns that avoid the fight and do less than zero damage,” he added.
Check out more reactions to Bonfim’s controversial win below.
Trash decision. We gotta stop Rewarding half failed takedowns that avoid the fight and do less than zero damage lol #UFCNashvile
— Vince Morales (@vandetta135) July 13, 2025
Great fight I got Wonderboy winning
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) July 13, 2025
Cmon WonderMan!!!
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) July 13, 2025
I had wonderboy 2-3 but I’m no judge
— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) July 13, 2025
Stephen Thompson is ageless . No ways 42, maybe 42 in dog years . Way to represent for the old guys !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) July 13, 2025
How did you guys score that one? #UFCNashville
— Mike Malott (@Michael_Malott) July 13, 2025
What fight! Wonder boy is one tough dude #UFCNashvile
— Miles Chapo Johns (@milesxjohns) July 13, 2025
Can’t sleep on @WonderboyMMA let’s go champ!
— Billy Quarantillo (@BillyQMMA) July 13, 2025