Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight champion, Rafael dos Anjos, is undefeated since moving up to the 170-pound division and recently scored his most impressive welterweight win to date by turning away Robbie Lawler at UFC on FOX 26.
But he didn’t get the finish, leaving Stephen Thompson unimpressed.
“I figured RDA would really pick up the pace and try and finish him,” the former title contender told MMA Fighting. “But he didn’t, he just kind of tried to outpoint him with shots, so he didn’t really impress me then to get that title shot.”
Promotion president Dana White might not agree.
“Do I think he can beat the champ? No, I don’t think so,” Thompson continued, who blew off a recent callout from Darren Till. “In my eyes, I think he should fight the No. 1 guy before he steps up to that title shot just to be sure he’s ready for it.”
Good luck with that.
Unfortunately for “Wonderboy,” he was unable to beat Woodley in two consecutive title shots, so there is little-to-no chance he gets a third go-round while fresh-faced contenders (like this guy) are ready, willing, and able to pull the sword from the proverbial stone.
Anyone disagree?