Stephen Thompson comes away with the w over Vicente Luque at UFC 244. | Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
His hands healed from his win against Vicente Luque, Thompson is eager to get back into the Octagon
Currently ranked #6 in the UFC’s welterweight division, Stephen Thompson is eager to get back to the Octagon. Speaking to Bloody Elbow, Wonderboy said he has an eye on any of the top five.
While much has been made of a rematch with Jorge Masvidal, and that fight would be an easy yes from Thompson, from his comments it seems Colby Covington might just be the fight that interests him most.
Thompson has completely healed from the broken hands that put him to the sidelines after the Vicente Luque fight last November, but he did incur a small injury to his collarbone. The injury happened while Thompson’s Upstate Karate hosted Chris Weidman for a three week training camp. Thompson, citing his hardheadedness, continued to train with Weidman, who is his brother-in-law, after the collarbone was initially injured.
At the time of this interview Thompson had not yet received MRI results, but believed the collarbone was not broken. “The doctor told me I just needed to stay off of it for six weeks, no sparring, and let it heal up. There’s always something I can do, though. I’m always staying in shape, so once the doctor gives me the okay I’ll be ready to go into a full camp, in case the UFC comes back to me with something.”
Thompson threw out September as an ideal month for him to return to action.
In a broader conversation about public personas, Thompson made the observation that some fighters, like Conor McGregor with his “gift for gab,” and the authenticity of the Diaz brothers, make them naturals for the spotlight. But the same can’t be said for others. “Like Colby Covington, who is terrible at it and is just trying way too hard.”
All the same, Thompson wonders, “I just want to know what he has to say about me.” Whatever it might be, you can bet it would be said from a hot tub next to a woman who looks very paid to be there.
Regardless of where the UFC puts Wonderboy next, the 37 year old fighter says he feels great, and hopes his retirement comes later rather than sooner. As for right now, Thompson is focused solely on getting back to another title fight and taking the UFC Welterweight belt back to South Carolina.
While waiting for Thompson to get back in action in the Octagon, check out the always entertaining fighter’s breakdown of martial arts movies for GQ.