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Arguably the most exciting welterweight fighter in the UFC today, #2 Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson (12-1) has torn through the welterweight division en route to a UFC title shot.
Coming off a spectacular first-round knockout win over former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks (17-4), Thompson is one fight away from title shot.
However, there is a part of Thompson that feels he should be fighting for the now, especially after the he dominated Hendricks.
“I felt like I was going to get that (title shot) after that beating someone that went 10-rounds with Robbie Lawler, who is a former welterweight champion who also went five-rounds with Georges St-Pierre,” he said.
“But sometimes you have to prove to the fans and the UFC that you can fight one more time before you get that title shot, so here I am getting ready to face the number-one contender.”
Standing in his way is Rory MacDonald, the number-one ranked welterweight in the world. Thompson and MacDonald are good friends, but both understand what’s on the line.
“It stinks (fighting a friend), but we understand at the top of the game you have to face each other to try and reach your goals and we both understand that,” said Thompson.
Thompson also believes that MacDonald is the toughest possible match-up for him, and understand both of their strengths and weaknesses.
“He is definitely the toughest, of course my goal is to keep the fight standing where I feel most comfortable, and he is the kind of guy who will stand there and bang,” he said.
“I think eventually at some point in time he is going to be shooting for my legs and I got to be ready for that.
“Standing wise, I got him, on the ground he is a little better and if I can defend that submission and get back up to my feet I think I got a chance.”
Thompson is not taking any chances against MacDonald, preparing for a five-round war against the number-one ranked welterweight.
“Mentally, from my psyche, I am ready for a five-round grinding war with Rory MacDonald,” he said.
“If it doesn’t go there, if I finish the fight in the first or second round then that’s awesome.
“But just for confidence, I know that I can go five-rounds and I’m expecting that.”
Stephen Thompson’s bout against Rory MacDonald is set to main event UFC Fight Night 89. The main card kicks off on Sunday June 19 at 12:30pm AEST.
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