Gallery Anthony Pettis def. Stephen Thompson at UFC Nashville: Best photos view 22 images

NASHVILLE – Stephen Thompson is in disbelief he got knocked out by Anthony Pettis in highlight-reel fashion at UFC on ESPN+ 6.

Thompson (14-4-1 MMA, 9-4-1 UFC) was floored by a Superman punch off the cage from Pettis (22-8 MMA, 9-7 UFC) in the second round of Saturday’s headliner, which took place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.

“Wonderboy” was transported to a local hospital after the bout. From there, he went live on his official Facebook page and gave his reaction.

“After 80 fights I’ve never been KO’d – this time by a small guy,” Thompson said. “I can’t believe he got me with the Superman punch. Golly. Superman off the cage. It was so ninja I didn’t even see it coming.”

Thompson’s defeat to Pettis marked the first time in MMA competition he’s been stopped inside the distance. He’s been dropped in the past, but always showed the ability to recover.

He said he doesn’t recall the finishing sequence – all he remembers is he was winning beforehand.

“I was piecing him up with the jab,” Thompson said. “I was trying to break his arms with the roundhouse kick. I guess the side kicks, I switched over too much. His punches were slow. The heck? I don’t remember anything. Next thing I knew I was in the back wondering what happened.”

In addition to the disappointment of the loss, Thompson knows the outcome hinders his future plans. He was hoping to headline the UFC’s debut in his home state of South Carolina this June, but with a medical suspension likely on the horizon, a three-month turnaround seems unlikely.

“Looks like I’m not going to be fighting in freakin’ Greenville,” Thompson said. “This sucks.”

For complete covearge of UFC on ESPN+ 6, check out the UFC Events section of the site.

Gallery Photos: Anthony Pettis through the years view 145 images

Gallery UFC on ESPN+ 6: Official scorecard photos from Nashville view 12 images