Thompson On Why He Chose Radtke For Final UFC Fight

Stephen Thompson says he handpicked Charles Radtke for his retirement bout because he wants to give an unranked fighter the same shot established names once gave him.

The longtime welterweight contender faces Radtke at UFC 334 on Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York. Thompson told Full Mount MMA that his decision reflects how he reached the upper tier of the division — by fighting veterans who were willing to test him.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 334 on Ticketmaster →

Thompson Credits Veterans For His Own Ranking Rise

"Why not go out with a chance to give these other guys an opportunity to work their way up?" Thompson said, per Sherdog. "I wouldn't have made it where I am today, especially being in the Top 5 - Top 10 for so long, if it wasn't for the guys giving me the shot. Radtke has got tremendous potential; he is good everywhere. Why not give this guy a chance to, if he beats me, move up the rankings?"

Thompson has won four times since consecutive title losses to Tyron Woodley in 2016-17 but is currently riding a three-fight skid. His most recent win came in 2022. Radtke is 5-2 in the UFC, with his losses against Mike Malott and Carlos Prates.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 334 on Ticketmaster →

The Madison Square Garden card marks Thompson's final appearance on a UFC contract.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Stephen Thompson explains why he chose Charles Radtke for final UFC fight