Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson has said that his shin was “split to the bone” in his UFC Nashville co-main event clash with Gabriel Bonfim.

Thompson, who ultimately lost the fight by close split decision, opened a severe gash on his left shin when his Brazilian opponent checked a leg kick during the second round.

The wound bled profusely for the remainder of the fight – but didn’t stop Thompson from throwing, and landing, a left high kick moments later. The kick appeared to land flush but wasn’t enough to put Bonfim away.

The Brazilian would later be awarded the fight in a result that produced wide debate on social media shortly thereafter.

And in a video message posted to social media Thompson, who was sporting crutches, said that his left shin was “split to the bone” and joked that he would have to prepare his leg in future to receive damage such as this.

“Well, got to get back, heal my shin up, maybe do some more shin conditioning, but love you guys,” he said.

Thompson, 42, is a two-time UFC welterweight title challenger but has now lost five of his past six bouts in the cage. Prior to his defeat against Bonfim, Thompson dropped successive contests to top contenders Shavkat Rakhmonov and Joaquin Buckley.

Additionally, his recent record also shows defeats against Belal Muhammad and Gilbert Burns.

His sole win in the UFC Octagon in the past five years was a December 2022 corner stoppage win against Kevin Holland.