‘Trash decision’: Pros react to Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson’s narrow loss at UFC Nashville

Gabriel Bonfim and Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson | Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Gabriel Bonfim won over the judges, if not the fans at UFC Nashville.

Employing a grappling-heavy attack, Bonfim did just enough to earn a decision over Stephen Thompson in Saturday’s co-main event at Bridgestone Arena… at least according to two of the three judges scoring the fight. Judges Mike Bell and Dave Tirelli both saw the fight 29-28 for Bonfim, giving the Brazilian the split call.

Fans in the arena immediately reacted with boos, though “Wonderboy” did his best to quell the outrage, inviting Bonfim to climb the cage with him in a classy show of respect. That didn’t stop their fellow fighters from chiming in on the verdict, however, with several questioning the judges’ decision.

Bantamweight veteran Vince Morales got straight to the point, calling the verdict a “trash decision” in a tweet.

“We gotta stop rewarding half failed takedowns that avoid the fight and do less than zero damage,” he added.

Check out more reactions to Bonfim’s controversial win below.