Stephen Thompson gets a NMF belt, ready to make push for UFC belt [FULL] | Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show

Stephen Thompson joins Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show in studio to discuss the condition of his broken hands, his KZbin channel, how Elvis Presley got his dad into martial arts, attending UFC 3 as a kid and (13:28) his win vs. Vicente Luque at UFC 244. (16:22) With a BMF belt being awarded to Jorge Masvidal for winning the main event of UFC 244, Thompson gets awarded a NMF belt for how nice of a guy he is. “Wonderboy” also looks back on his loss to Anthony Pettis, not winning the welterweight title from Tyron Woodley and wanting to get back into contention.
#HelwaniShow #ESPNMMA
✔ For more UFC, sign up for ESPN+ plus.espn.com/ufc
✔ Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn
✔ Subscribe to ESPN on KZbin: es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoKZbin
✔ Subscribe to ESPN FC on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoESPNFC
✔ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZbin: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoNBAonESPN
✔ Watch ESPN on KZbin TV: es.pn/KZbinTV
ESPN on Social Media:
► Follow on Twitter: / espn
► Like on Facebook: / espn
► Follow on Instagram: / espn
Visit ESPN on KZbin to get up-to-the-minute sports news coverage, scores, highlights and commentary for NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, College Football, NCAA Basketball, soccer and more.
More on ESPN.com: www.espn.com

[@davidriddle6677]

Please god let this man win a belt.

[@m.u.b.u4l50]

He is not good enough. Just that simple

[@bolivianboss]

Plz god dont I hate his fighting style

[@-ninjasfortnite-6616]

Papi Chulo hater but u can have ur opinions

[@lpfjgoldie6624]

M.U.B.U 4L Lol he is the best striker in MMA with Adesanya and McGregor. He is definitely championship caliber you clown.

[@zeppelinscifi]

Please the ufc belt

[@bearinafoxhole5951]

wonderboy is a HUGE asset to the UFC. this guy is great. big fan.

[@Owlpire]

Nick Handley He breaks the mold of the stereotype a lot if people have when they think if a cage fighter. Which is like Rich Franklin, he broke it a bit back in the day of UFC. It’s good to see MMA being normalized nowadays.

[@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475]

He’s a piece of garbage he puts on an act . He treated woodley terribly

[@OvercomeEverythingJosh]

His channel is great too. He goes over some technique in a goofy way.

[@noobgun12]

@@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475 u were delusional 11 months ago and u still are

[@jamesfox8930]

this is the most wholesome mma fighter in the history of the sport. 100% positivity. excellent dude

[@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475]

Not as wholesome as your sweet momma . I know you attracted to Thompson cuz you lgbt but he’s very fake and treated woodley terribly

[@idonthaveaname4911]

Autoimmune Encephalitis Awareness you’re an idiot

[@Nico18_]

@@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475 YOU ARE Woodley 😂😂😂

[@mauriciohiure2192]

if you dislike that guy you're a terrible human bean, period

[@bcagz9835]

AB100 so you’re implying Wonderboy’s personality is an act?

[@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475]

Mauricio you’re a failed male who’s attracted to Thompson he wouldn’t look ur way

[@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475]

Mauricio he is a gatekeeper who will never be champion

[@OneOnlyMex]

@@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475 I feel bad for you. May you someday find happiness in life.

[@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475]

OneOnlyMex Thompson is gatekeeper this is fact. And anyway how can I when people like you harassing me . Hypocrite

[@pichofiraviyah8492]

I want him to take that belt to press conferences so badly

[@johnnymac2952]

I feel like he would if he faught jorge again to put the nmf and bmf title on the line lol

[@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475]

A lot of you brown skinned people hype Thompson I think you attracted to him . You people in blackpill forums

[@joaco743]

@@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475?

[@wittyrabbit4146]

Wonderboy is the best. The Captain America of the UFC.

[@Doma2579]

Plot twist; Ariel did actually tell him before the show he was getting this belt,but to be a nice guy and not to offend Ariel,he played along

[@thinkinghmmmm]

Lol

[@thinkinghmmmm]

1 year Ago I know but wonderboy makes me inspired so im here now haha 😄

[@johnkimchi888]

Hearing Stephen Swear is like hearing a teacher swear for the first time. XD

[@johnnymac2952]

That was legitness

[@tijosk8]

I dont understand the perfectness coming out of this person

[@ThePuffy]

There's already a word for that...PERFECTION.

[@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475]

Hes fake just like you

[@kodyokeefe3212]

@@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475 shut up

[@Jdelli0916]

The NMF belt is the best looking belt out of all of them.

[@benp4339]

Guess you could say it's the nicest one lol

[@DevinMcSalty]

You’re out of your mind lmaoo

[@FnVir]

16:35 what y'all came here for

[@FnVir]

@MarioMan99 you too brother

[@ChampionLegit]

Wonderboy vs Leon Edwards is the fight to make

[@dominickschrute3084]

That's a good fight if Tyron doesn't take it. They need to put Leon Scott in one more fight and then an immediate title shot. Edit: wonderboy may technically be kamaru's toughest matchup

[@shapoopy2964]

true

[@johnnymac2952]

@@dominickschrute3084 idk we only really seen wonderboy on his back the first round vs woodley and he was held down and getting elbowed the entire time

[@johnathangomez1712]

Naaah

[@johnathangomez1712]

Twood vs Edwards is perfect

[@86klovell]

I want to see him vs usman

[@slidecounter5813]

I agree

[@m.u.b.u4l50]

You must wanna see WB lose.

[@teamgitusome]

i think he bonks usman stiff

[@Joe-zf8kt]

Kris Lovell be another usman vs woodley fight

[@dominickschrute3084]

With his spacing he may be Usman's toughest matchup outside Masvidal.

[@tomkeane2629]

Wonder boys breakdown of the Usman v Colby fight proves why fighters should be judges.

[@stashtrey1]

@Nowhatamsaying DC is nauseating lately. Frigging UFC shill.

[@user-nj1zu2nf1x]

Well technically they're ALL shills

[@hearnn1680]

Wonderboy is such a legend, would love to see him become a champion

[@1117ERIC7111]

We need a weirdest mf belt for tony and a cringiest mf belt for cejudo.

[@abrahanrodriguez9003]

eric lieb lol

[@DinsDetailin]

@@supasik1 Tito owns that one

[@autoimmuneencephalitisawar2475]

Where’s the most worthless MF belt to give to you

[@dedde1311]

Sanchez vs tony for wmf

[@thinkinghmmmm]

No more gold for cejudo hahaha man's got too much xD congrats to him though fr

[@rockyrodriguez4509]

Id like to see Wonderboy move up to 185lbs. He has a win over the former champ. And a fight with Izzy would be dope.

[@teamgitusome]

Rocky Rodriguez very fun idea here

[@teamgitusome]

how about wonderboy beats usman masvidal winner and then moves up to 185 straight into title shot

[@Its_LumberJack]

I think wonderboy is too small for 185. He doesnt walk around very heavy hes a skinny dude

[@dominickschrute3084]

Never thought of that but I'd love that. Not many legit contenders up there right now with Costa being injured.

[@sdottwal]

Gus Gang yeah but these 185ers walk around at 200+ lol can’t disregard that

[@stjanigurka]

Wonderboy´s go to cuss word is probably "gosh darn it" Gotta love this dude!

[@SJ-yk1pe]

What a great dude.

[@darknessfadestolight4312]

Nobody in history before and after can't ever win that belt. Not even Sage Northcutt 🤫 Congrats Wonder Boy. Big love 🇨🇦

[@juaneJAI]

Wonderboy calls out Conor McGregor: Hi Mr. McGregor! You're taking everything I've ever worked for, but you know, it's ok. If you would kindly accept a fight with me, that would be awesome. If not, God bless!

[@wergar_the_warwolf6834]

Please and thank you

[@francismartial6427]

We can see him beating down guys of all races and nation's at the highest level in a cage on live TV yet, we can't imagining him cussing

[@blackeyes1252]

stephen the nicest motherf word wonderman thompson

[@babagadoush1]

Love this dude. Glad you had him on and gave him your platform!

[@jamestaylor7238]

If we could all be as nice as Wonderboy and Max Holloway the world would be a much better place!!!

[@jasondelvaux3036]

Wonderboy is just so hilarious. And he's not even trying to be. It's just so genuine all the time. It's funny to see someone so consistent, because that's just him.

[@teamgitusome]

wonderboy beats winner or usman masvidal for 170 and bmf belt, then straight into 185 for stylebender MEGA FIGHT

[@ssheeessh]

So glad Ariel gave his youtube channel a shoutout! Some really good stuff on there

[@mfs353]

man is this guy one of the most underrated UFC fighters I've ever seen, give this man a tittle shot DANA

[@MicaiahYaakovBuzi]

Its cool to see Ariels Espn mma podcast doing so well love the Mma interviews he does and wonderboys a awesome down to earth dude need more of both these guys in Mma in general tbh.

[@Vtecdragon]

this man is an amazing role model for mma, a person we all strive to be

[@wet8556]

Wonderboy is such a good person

[@oxivixo]

At first I was thinking the belt didnt look beefy enough and seemed to simple, but now I think it's perfect for him! Slick and solid 👌 Now he needs to defend against GSP 👍

[@MrRaggamuffinrambo]

After watching this ‘ I want to learn karate! What a great guy 👊💪👍

[@michaelmartin96]

Glad I finally saw this. He's the kind of guy i want to be like. Too bad I have so much darkness in my heart

[@roadrash8334]

I so know how it is to accidently shake a hand when your hands are hurt. It's like nice to meet you, oh easy easy easy!

[@cheek238]

Great interview. Both are very good in their respective fields.

[@blackeyes1252]

no dislikes,please lets keep it that way

[@Joe-zf8kt]

Black Eyes I disliked cause you told me not too

[@blackeyes1252]

@@Joe-zf8kt that is really stupid,please dont die

[@randomnstoned966]

With a career like his, especially from such a young age, to not go out at all until Pettis is truly impressive.

[@OscarLopez-zu7xd]

Best interview ever!! Love ya wonderboy for who you are.

[@gregoryariel2431]

Great inspiration to young fighters, that’s a real fighter folks

[@teamgitusome]

24:05 HAHA great stuff

[@760pops]

Let’s GO!!! Wonderboy 2020. Whoops Usman , Leon , & whoever that top welterweight division

[@astralseeker]

During the bmf night, this man displayed the best fight of them all...

[@larissacastellanos4831]

Such a kind, laid back, chill guy. Deserves that title...

[@erix43]

What a humble gentleman. Love this guy and what he does. He's underrated, but not to us real fans.

[@Swag-Juice]

Stephen is an awesome guy, and his channel has the best training videos on youtube.

[@jm2953]

absolute legend! pure class😎

[@nikduley3729]

this is an awesome interview tbh wasnt a wonderboy fan but i am now!

[@sirjohnrambo]

This guy reps Karate in the UFC better than Machida did

[@janmichaelvincent2157]

Love watching this man fight

[@quicoboy]

...a great American...and without the trash talk...well done, sir...God bless...

[@otter7467]

Thompson is one of the few ppl i'd overcome my hatred of helwani and watch his show.

[@peterchobausch]

Love watching him in UFC.

[@rahmellbrown162]

Love this guy

[@nilanjanbiswas844]

Stephen Is The M A N!!!.. Simply nobody can hate this guy man...Ariel said it right if you wanna suggest someone to look up to as a martial artist it has to be W O N D E R B O Y without a doubt..He's the man... Would be dream come true if someday i get to train in his gym with him... Can't wait to see him get back in the mix..👊❤️

[@ridgebackdk]

gentleman .... always exciting to watch....

[@roccov8712]

He looks like a guy that would fit perfect in backstreetboys

[@brianvillamor8839]

Did not know Wonderboy was a fan of anime, now I am more of a fan of him

[@greg4179]

Man that's a nice studio. Can't wait til covid is over to hear Ariel and DC live from that bad boy

[@tomgoffnett5624]

Ariel Helwani: You are the best at this. You ask all the right questions, you are a loving and caring person. Absolutely love your show. God has blessed you greatly. That's what you get for working hard. And you are a Champion, we watch you a lot more than we watch fighters and you keep us all up on what is going on. You are the best at it. THANK YOU!

[@coryspann5774]

im a huge fan of wonder boy ever since he called me out on his live stream of ufc 245, but he took the live stream down, i need it back up now!

[@DhillonBeats7]

Ariel’s energy !💯

[@c.pehlivan12]

He should has a podcast or mma based program after retired..What a great Guy and role model

[@faceman8742]

BMF vs NMF rematch 2020 👌😁 would love to see it

[@WarriorFromV4LH4LL4]

Such a great man and a great fighter.

[@travispasch9908]

Love how humble wonderboy is

[@alpha_neandethal_primarch]

I love wonderboys style wanna see him vs so many fighters

[@adub92199]

He deserves a belt. He’d be a great champion, he’d be the best champion, maybe not fighting wise but being an inspiration to everyone especially kids. That’s a big part in being a champion and he has that IT factor

[@HighznHighz]

No one is talking about how intelligent Ariel is🙌🏼

[@jdogg4495]

over 20 years of training n fighting n only knocked out once thats amazing

[@tbost11]

Lyoto the dragon and Wonder boy both in prime best mma fight ever

[@Shiljamannn]

Thompson vs Whitaker for the NMF belt.

[@cyclonus01]

He already beat him actually

[@Shiljamannn]

@@cyclonus01 He did but not in NMF title fight :)

[@Shiljamannn]

@Ben Layers And he comes up to Wonderboi and says: "I'm not impressed by your performance."

[@Wholesome_Hans]

what a great representative for the sport.

[@Brucelee-pv6uf]

I love you wonderboy 😥❤

[@timothythrash1201]

Wonderboy is a great fighter and even a better person.

[@kennychamo3479]

Ik a lot of single moms when they go to the class only go see him 🤣 and watch him doing his moves 😭

[@sportsfan_913]

It is legit impossible to dislike this guy. One of the few that i think would give Usman issues in a fight.

[@anthonystefanelli2661]

Awesome interview. Wondering is the MAN.

[@joeoshea30]

Great Interview 👏👏👏👏

[@carrenpalmer3453]

wish Colby would take some PR lessons from Stephen - proof that being a nice guy can be popular. Colby should've promoted his connection (& what he does for the military) to the hilt instead of going the direction he went.

[@floatinggoose9197]

WELL, I'm not a Colby fan myself, but I don't know what you think that "popularity" translates to. Colby has been paid more in his recent fights than Stephen Wonderboy. Not in his early career either, only in the ones since he started shitting on people.

[@carrenpalmer3453]

@AB100 glad to see your degree in psychology finally came in useful, not

[@Sebastian-lv1dv]

carren ward The difference here is that Thompson’s style of fighting is amazingly entertaining, Colby’s not so much. I think that is why Colby resorted to talking smack, etc.

[@carrenpalmer3453]

@@Sebastian-lv1dv funny enough, I kinda like Colby, kinda sad to see him go the way he did and getting so much flack from other fighters because of it & think if he took a different route with getting publicity, like his involvement with the Armed Services (which I know he does a lot without touting), he may've suffered this loss without so many brutal memes & comebacks. I guess the paycheck rules the day I suppose.

[@Sebastian-lv1dv]

carren ward Well it is a brutal sport and I can’t blame Colby for trying to earn his worth. It’s unbelievable how little he was getting paid although he was destroying almost everyone that he fought. Hopefully he recovers soon and either comes back and fights a top 5 (and gets paid) or he goes to the WWE and to earn a lot of money.

[@anthonyakana3050]

True ; nicest mma fighter ..

[@tbost11]

He's Ned Flanders with a lethal spinning back kick

[@ginger9508]

Wonderboy is the best. Don't rush back from the hand injuries. UFC 244 was the best wonderboy yet; and theres plenty of time to heal up and get back in after that.

[@AXLee27]

My favorite active fighter

[@christopherrefusal4843]

Good on you Wonderboy. You’re fucking super nice, man.

[@American-BadAss732]

This guys gunna live to 120 with the lack of stress and clear headness.. lol. Legit good dude.

[@JF-gy7tt]

God bless him

[@1117ERIC7111]

I hope wonderboy wears that to the next press conference lol

[@knowistrite]

Was a nice interview

[@c9hr0ni4c]

Came here for a few minutes and I have 1 minute left

[@Y0utub3me]

you gotta love wonderboy!

[@TheMenaceNoob]

Stephen has an awesome stream

[@Fahadalkithiri]

One of these days this guy's gonna snap.

[@Maartun]

Donald ''Colby was never my friend'' Trump

[@richrocco5437]

Love the guy!!😎

[@yourself88xbl]

A true role model.

[@abhorrentheathen]

Straight up role model 👌

[@kyall4205]

Remember when Ariel called the new ufc belt cheap looking, have a look at that thing he gave Wonderboy 😂😂

[@mrdylpickle]

He didn't design it

[@Snippets635]

Something about this guy tells me Mr Nice guy but yet is a badass too