Stephen Thompson makes case for title shot: I’d put on a better show than any of them!

Despite rumors of a different match up, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is still hoping his big win against Hendricks nets him a title shot.

Stephen Thompson is coming off the biggest win of his career, knocking out former UFC champion Johny Hendricks in just a little over 3 minutes. Before handing Hendricks the first stoppage loss of his career, Wonderboy was seen adding to his highlight reel by landing not one but two spinning hook kicks to KO Jake Ellenberger.

Thompson is currently on a media tour in Manila, promoting the UFC and kicking off their newly minted partnership with local media giants TV5 and Cignal TV. Despite rumors linking him to a possible bout against Rory MacDonald, this is where the Karate expert made his case to be next in line for the belt.

“He was the former welterweight champ, the number 2 guy ranked in the world,” Thompson said about his big win over Hendricks. “After I defeated him, I’m ranked number 3 now. Hopefully I get a title shot. We don’t know yet, but that’s in the works right now. Hopefully I get that shot, but if not, I’ll fight anybody who they put in front of me.”

So why should he receive the next title shot over guys like Woodley, Condit, or Maia? While the the 33-year-old did admit that he thought Condit won against Lawler, he believes his impressive 6-fight win streak isn’t the only thing going for him here.

“(The next title shot) really depends on what the fans want to see, in my eyes, to be honest,” he said. “I think I would definitely put on a better show than any one of those guys.”

“I understand that they promised Tyron Woodley a fight, but he’s obviously not staying active,” Thompson continued. “That’s what people want to see. They want to see those who are active, and they want to see a knockout. They want to see an exciting show, and I can do that for them.”

Not only does he feel like he has done enough to earn the next crack at the belt, he believes he has the perfect skill set to take it.

“I developed a style, of course coming from a karate background, the movement — It’s just not smart to bang with those tough guys,” he continued. “If you look at Lawler, if you look at Condit, those guys are pretty much banged up after each fight.”

“As a fighter, my goal is not to get hit, and to frustrate opponents. So the way I move, in and out, side to side, picking my opponents apart, it’s very frustrating,” he explained. “And if I know I got you frustrated… I got you, I can finish.”

Thompson will spending this week in the Philippines, doing media tours which is highlighted by a public workout on Thursday. If past appearances from numerous UFC fighters such as Gustafsson, Condit, and Munoz are any indication, you can expect thousands of Filipino fight fans to come out in droves again.

All photos shot by Paolo Tabuena. Follow me on twitter — @antontabuena