How is Stephen Thompson related to Chris Weidman?
Stephen Thompson and Chris Weidman are two of the most decorated fighters in modern UFC history. While Thompson has achieved remarkable success with creative striking that most fighters have struggled to figure out, Weidman dethroned the great Anderson Silva to open up the middleweight division to rising contenders back in 2013.
Although Weidman's competitive achievements have been overshadowed by the underwhelming performances in the later stage of his career, he is considered among the top five middleweight fighters of all time.
Meanwhile, 'Wonderboy' has been able to hold his own in the changing fabric of the welterweight division which has seen the rise of many talented young contenders over the last few years.
But apart from being elite UFC fighters, Weidman and Thompson are bonded by family ties. So let's understand their relation and see how they are related.
How are Stephen Thompson and Chris Weidman related?
Stephen Thompson and Chris Weidman have been longtime friends and training partners. Their companionship led to their siblings meeting each other, falling in love, and getting married.
Stephen Thompson's brother Tony Thompson is married to Chris Weidman's sister, making the two fighters brothers-in-law.
'Wonderboy' once explained in an interview how the two met:
“…My brother Tony asked to come up and hang out with us. I talked to Chris and he was like, ‘Sure, yeah. Bring him in.’ I didn’t even know Chris had a sister at that time. Next thing you know, they ended up meeting each other, and it was over from there.”
The couple tied the knot in 2016, and both the UFC fighters congratulated them on social media.
Even outside their familial ties, Stephen Thompson and Chris Weidman share a great bond and camaraderie, which the MMA Community has been witness to over the years.
Chris Weidman's wife once shared a picture of the two men sharing a beautiful moment of support and solidarity after both of them suffered defeats at UFC 205 - Weidman via a brutal flying knee to Yoel Romero and Stephen Thompson to Tyron Woodley.
'Wonderboy' had spoken about Weidman getting injured by Romero's flying knee in a heartfelt manner at the post-fight conference, with concern evident in his voice.
“I felt it, you know, my heart dropped. For something like that to happen to such a good guy, good friend, and now family member, it was... yeah it hurt me, man. It hurt me deep.”