UFC 334 video: Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson retires with spinning wheel kick KO against Charles Radtke

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson ended his career in style with a spectacular spinning back kick against Charles Radtke to cap off the UFC 334 prelims.

Having already announced that Saturday would serve as his retirement fight, Thompson delivered another classic finish after uncorking the kick and sending Radtke crashing to the canvas. The end officially came at the 2:54 mark of the third round, with Thompson celebrating his victory by putting his gloves down in the octagon for the final time.

“I’ve been in the UFC for almost 15 years, I couldn’t have asked for anything better than a spinning back kick to the dome,” Thompson said after his victory. “I don’t care if your hands are up, one kick back, you’re going down. I told myself I wasn’t going to cry. I just want to tell you I love you.”

Radtke was on the gas pedal from the jump before diving for a takedown before the first minute expired. It didn’t take long for Thompson to start moving up the ranks, with Radtke doing his best to maintain his position at the top.

Thompson eventually went back up with Radtke clinging in the clinch against the cage. When he finally broke free, Thompson began to establish his jab while keeping Radtke at bay while playing a counter fighter from the outside.

In the second round, Thompson continued to move away from the outside while Radtke still tried to pressure forward. Radtke finally shot for the takedown, but Thompson resisted effectively.

Thompson then started to get a little looser with his striking, throwing straight punches and then mixing in a variety of kicks. Thompson continued to pour it on with Radtke almost wilting with time running out in the round.

With five minutes to go, Thompson was quick to restore his strike, including a heel kick to the face. Radtke was clearly slowing down and Thompson was taking full advantage.

Thompson kept throwing combinations and Radtke struggled to respond with his own attack. Thompson then unleashed a spinning back kick that blasted Radtke and sent him to the canvas for the final time.

Thompson finishes his career as one of the deadliest strikers in UFC history and one of the best welterweights for almost his entire time in the promotion. He comes away with another knockout to secure the victory.