“He Was Just Throwing Me Around Like a Little Rag Doll”: ‘Wonderboy’ Claims Gruesome Georges St-Pierre Training Experience Left Him Demotivated

Stephen Thompson has truly earned the reputation that goes by his moniker, ‘Wonderboy’, in the UFC. With a 17-6-1 record, the 40-year-old fighter has shown his remarkable skills and ability to dominate his opponents inside the octagon. In his last fight at UFC Orlando against Kevin Holland, Thompson demonstrated his dominance with a fourth-round knockout over the ‘Trailblazer’.

However, it wasn’t always smooth sailing for the celebrated Welterweight fighter. In fact, there was a time when he almost turned down the opportunity to fight in the UFC. It was the UFC GOAT, Georges St-Pierre, and the experience of training with him that made Thompson feel inadequate even before making his debut.

Training with GSP made Stephen Thompson lose belief in himself

During a recent interview with Chamatkar Sandhu, Stephen Thompson spoke about his journey to the UFC and how he became interested in MMA. However, he also shared a moment of doubt when he almost turned down the opportunity to fight in the UFC due to the sheer intimidation of the existing fighters.

The Simpsonville native said, “I was actually getting ready to turn it down. Because I felt like I wasn’t ready [for] those guys, you know.”

Explaining on his reasons, he further added, “You had Rory MacDonald, you had Georges St-Pierre, solid wrestler who I was training with at the time. And he was just throwing me around like a little rag doll. I just felt like I wasn’t ready.”

It was then that his father’s words convinced him to make the right choice. Thompson shared, “But my dad said, ‘This could be your only chance. I mean, UFC probably never call again. This is it. You might as well go out make the best.’ And I did.”

Read more: “Let’s Not Forget” – Poised Stephen Thompson Gives Brutal Reminder to Shavkat Rakhmonov Despite Dominant Win at UFC 285

Now with an illustrious career in the UFC, ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson revealed what he would tell his younger self.

The unconventional message ‘Wonderboy’ would give to his younger self

During the same interview, the interviewer asked Stephen Thompson about what message he would give to his aspirational younger self as a successful UFC fighter today. Thompson’s response was unexpected as he said, “Man, to be honest with you, I don’t think I would say a thing.”

He continued, “Because, if I did, maybe that would trigger something in my head. Not to do it or stray somewhere else. Like, ‘Me? Doing this? Are you kidding me? No way.'” Because then, it wouldn’t happen.”

On the professional front, ‘Wonderboy’ is gearing up to fight Michael Pereira at UFC 289. Fight fans are already amped up about this matchup, as it promises to be an exciting and competitive bout.

Do you think Stephen Thompson will be able to mirror his last triumphant performance again? Let us know in the comments below.

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