Stephen Thompson, the oldest UFC fighter at 42, is slated to compete against Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Nashville. Known for his willingness to give opportunities to lower-ranked fighters, Thompson attributes his success to those who supported him in earlier stages of his career. He emphasizes the importance of allowing new fighters a chance to rise. Bonfim expressed admiration for Thompson, revealing he grew up watching him. This mutual respect reinforces Thompson's role as a mentor and an influence in the UFC.
"I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the guys like Jake Ellenberger and Johny Hendricks, Rory McDonald, giving somebody like myself who was lower ranked a shot at coming up," Thompson told reporters on Wednesday.
"It's kind of getting a little popular. You're seeing a lot of fighters trying to hold onto their rankings. I've always been the type of guy to kind of give those up and coming guys a chance."
"That is why I do what I do. I got 600 kids back home watching every move that I make. It's even cooler to have fighters in the UFC knowing that I had an influence in them or in some way influence them to make this their career."
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