‘That motherf*cker’s an a**hole, for sure:’ Joaquin Buckley calls out ‘Ellen DeGeneres of MMA’ Stephen Thompson

Not many have anything bad to say about Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson … unless you’re Joaquin Buckley (or Colby Covington).

In 2024, Buckley, now 30 years old, has experienced a remarkable transformation within the Octagon. After his unforgettable spinning heel kick knockout in 2020, which made him a viral sensation, he is now beginning to fulfill the potential that was evident in that moment. As a result, Buckley has climbed up to the impressive No. 11 position in the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) Welterweight rankings.

Buckley is aiming for his fifth consecutive victory upon his return to the ring. If he achieves this feat, it will mark the longest winning streak of his 25-fight career (19-6), surpassing his initial record as a 6-0 prospect. Buckley has expressed his interest in facing Thompson as his next opponent, and he has valid reasons for favoring this matchup.

“I’m not even trolling on this one, but I really feel like ‘Wonderboy’ be putting on a role,” Buckley told Parry Punch. “He ain’t as nice as everybody try to claim him to be. I try to keep my personality the same with everybody. I feel like ‘Wonderboy’ gave me different kind of vibes. He definitely didn’t show me no love when I was out there at International Fight Week. Trying to confuse my words and all of these things to make me look goofy in front of his friends and sh*t. Like, okay, I got you. I let things be what it is.

“I feel like ‘Wonderboy’ is the Ellen DeGeneres of MMA,” he concluded. “Seems like the nice guy on camera, but behind closed doors, that motherf*cker’s an asshole, for sure.”

Despite a rough patch that’s seen him go 1-3 in his last four fights, Thompson (17-7-1) remains a top 10 ranked competitor as the No. 8-ranked UFC Welterweight. He last fought at UFC 296 against Shavkat Rakhmonov, who defeated him via a second round rear-naked choke in December 2023 (watch highlights).

Upon learning of Buckley’s remarks, Thompson wasted no time in issuing the following response.

“Must’ve forgot that time he asked me for technique advice and I happily gave it to him,” Thompson replied on Twitter. “That was like a month ago. Keep talking though [smiley face emoji].”