Stephen Thompson improved his UFC record to 7-1 this past Saturday night (February 6, 2016) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, easily dispatching of former UFC Welterweight Champion Johny Hendricks in the first round of their main event tilt. With six straight victories behind him, MMAmania.com ponders what could be next for “Wonderboy.”
Three minutes and thirty one seconds.
That is all it took for Stephen Thompson to finish former UFC Welterweight Champion Johny Hendricks in the main event of UFC Fight Night 82 this past Saturday (February 6, 2016) live on FOX Sports 1 from inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
And he made it look easy.
To put “Wonderboy’s” victory into context, understand that Hendricks has gone 10 full rounds against UFC Champion Robbie Lawler, 15 violent minutes against Carlos Condit, tangled horns with the greatest Welterweight in history as he battled Georges St-Pierre for 25 minutes, and he also defeated Martin Kampmann, Matt Brown, and a handful of others along the way.
None of those men could take “Bigg Rigg” out, and Thompson did so almost effortlessly, becoming the first person to ever stop Hendricks in his illustrious 21-fight career.
Check out the highlights here.
Turning 33-years old next week, Thompson is currently in his fighting prime, having won six straight fights against formidable opponents and succeedingly tough competition.
Among his six recent victories have been four knockouts, which has notched the No. 8 ranked Welterweight three $50,000 bonus checks in his last four bouts.
When he made his UFC debut in 2013, most believed “Wonderboy” would merely be a flash in the pan, as his savvy striking arsenal would be nullified by even mediocre wrestlers.
Nearly three years to the date from his Octagon debut, Thompson finished the best wrestler in the 170-pound division, and he did it by thwarting an early takedown attempt from “Bigg Rigg.”
Following his exemplary performance in Las Vegas, and considering his outstanding winning streak, one must make the conclusion that Thompson is an elite Welterweight with the capabilities of being crowned UFC Champion in 2016.
With no clear cut No. 1 contender in the 170-pound division heading into UFC Fight Night 82, it will be excruciatingly difficult for UFC brass to go with any other option than slating Robbie Lawler to defend his title against “Wonderboy” next.
Finishing a former champ in such scintillating fashion simply must be rewarded, and that could very well have Thompson battling Lawler in an epic battle at UFC 200 later this year.
For complete UFC Fight Night 82: “Hendricks vs Thompson” results and coverage of all the night’s action click here.