Stephen Thompson: UFC fighter on being MMA's nice guy and still fighting aged 40

In a world where you can be anything, be kind.

That's the mantra of UFC welterweight Stephen Thompson, who goes against the grain of most fighters and opts to "beat them with kindness".

Verbal sparring, whether it be on social media or face-to-face, has become commonplace in MMA but Thompson - nicknamed Wonderboy - has never been one to get involved in that side of the game.

He agrees his nice guy persona may have led to him being overlooked for some fights in recent years with many being "made because of the hype and not due to the rankings".

But Thompson, who spends most of his days training children in the art of karate, intends to set a positive example for those hoping to follow in his footsteps.

The UFC tends to embrace trash talkers, even creating a ceremonial BMF title contested by the likes of Nate Diaz and most recently by lightweights Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier in July.

But Thompson wants to set a different example.

"I think that's who I am," Thompson tells BBC Sport.

"Sometimes my dad wonders where I get it from. I feel like I've been doing this for so long that I don't need to put myself in that mindset.

"Some people do. They need to have something wrong with their opponent to go out there and do damage to them, but not me. I look at it as just a competition.

"I love being known as the NMF. I've got 600 kids back home watching every move that I make, I teach them karate and just to be an inspiration for them has a lot to do with it as well.

"I can just go out there with a smile on my face and duke it out. You've seen me do that time and time again."

Even in the build up to his last fight, which ended in a fourth-round stoppage win over Kevin Holland, Thompson took the unusual step of appearing on his opponent's podcast.

That victory in Orlando snapped a two-fight losing streak and reignited hope that, even at the age of 40, he can embark on one last run towards a UFC title.

Thompson has twice competed for the welterweight belt, drawing with Tyron Woodley at UFC 205 in 2016 before losing the rematch the following year.

Six years have passed but Thompson remains focused on having that belt draped around his waist before he calls it a day.

On Saturday in Las Vegas, he faces unbeaten rising star Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 296.

"I think with two good wins, I'll be looking to get that title shot," he says.

"Competing for a title is always my goal. It's always number one in my mind.

"Fighting the best guys in the world is the inspiration for me, it almost sounds like an anime or something. It's cool to be able to look back and say 'I fought the best in the world'.

"The gold is always on my mind and that inspires me."

Martial arts are in the Thompson genes, with his father and trainer, Ray, competing as a professional kickboxer before moving into coaching and opening a karate school in South Carolina.

Wonderboy began training aged just three and his dad has remained by his side throughout the entire journey, initially into kickboxing before moving into MMA.

"I couldn't picture anybody else. I don't know what I would do if it wasn't for martial arts or without my dad being there," Thompson says.

"I know a lot of people out there haven't had that opportunity and they had their dad taken from them at a young age. I've been blessed to be where I'm at and to do this with him.

"I remember as a kid my father always told me 'spend as much time with your Pops because you never know when he's going to go'.

"His dad died unexpectedly so I try to make a point to spend as much time with him as possible because you never know when they are going to go."

Thompson is showing no signs of slowing down and has taken a fight against man many believe is a future champion of the division.

Veterans such as Frankie Edgar, 41, and Nick Diaz, 39, have recently retired as they struggled with the rigours of training.

Thompson, however, believes his lifestyle outside of the cage is a major factor in his longevity.

"I feel like I'm 25," he says.

"I teach martial arts and that gives me space from fighting, so it stays exciting. You always have to have an outlet.

"I think keeping my body healthy and training the right way has helped me as well. Not taking as much damage is also important.

"I've only been knocked out once in my career and hopefully it will remain that way for what's left of my career."