UFC Fight Night 89 video recap: Stephen Thompson tops Rory MacDonald

Check out BloodyElbow.com’s recap of the UFC Fight Night 89 main event between Stephen Thompson and Rory MacDonald.

Stephen Thompson went the distance in a five-round UFC main event for the first time Saturday night when he decisively defeated former title challenger and local favorite Rory MacDonald. Thompson and MacDonald headlined UFC Fight Night 89, which marked the promotion’s debut in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was a very tactical outing for both fighters, and afterwards, Wonderboy described the bout as a “chess match.” Wonderboy’s movement, karate-style and elusive striking was too much for The Red King, who suffered a second consecutive loss — the first losing streak of his career.

What was the highlight of the fight?

It was a very smart fight on Thompson’s side — he inflicted lots of damage on MacDonald without suffering much at all himself. He utilized his movement to perfection. Often times, MacDonald would throw a strike, but found himself striking air, instead of Thompson’s face or body. For that reason, Wonderboy using his style to dominate one of the best welterweights on the planet was the highlight of the fight.

Where do these two go from here?

It is time for a title shot for Wonderboy. If he isn’t paired up with the winner of Robbie Lawler vs. Tyron Woodley (UFC 201) barring any injuries, then… I wouldn’t know what to say. He more than deserves it at this point. With knockouts over Johny Hendricks and Jake Ellenberger on his record, the 33-year-old’s win over MacDonald on Saturday should be his last non-title fight for the foreseeable future (until he either loses to Lawler-Woodley winner, or wins but loses his belt to someone else afterwards).

MacDonald is in an interesting situation, because this fight was the last one on his current UFC contract. MacDonald has publicly stated he is interested in testing the free agency market but now coming off two losses in-a-row, his price-tag may have dropped. It is not a guarantee the UFC will be eager to re-sign him for the amount of money he’d be looking for, either. I do believe MacDonald will re-sign with the UFC, but don’t be surprised if he jumps ship over to a rival promotion like Bellator MMA.

Watch now, later or never?

As I said, this was a tactical fight but lacked action for the majority of it. Definitely keep it on your “to-watch” list, but it’s not a fight you need to check out right away.

Check out BloodyElbow.com’s recap of the UFC Fight Night 89 main event between Stephen Thompson and Rory MacDonald.

Stephen Thompson went the distance in a five-round UFC main event for the first time Saturday night when he decisively defeated former title challenger and local favorite Rory MacDonald. Thompson and MacDonald headlined UFC Fight Night 89, which marked the promotion’s debut in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. It was a very tactical outing for both fighters, and afterwards, Wonderboy described the bout as a “chess match.” Wonderboy’s movement, karate-style and elusive striking was too much for The Red King, who suffered a second consecutive loss — the first losing streak of his career.

What was the highlight of the fight?

It was a very smart fight on Thompson’s side — he inflicted lots of damage on MacDonald without suffering much at all himself. He utilized his movement to perfection. Often times, MacDonald would throw a strike, but found himself striking air, instead of Thompson’s face or body. For that reason, Wonderboy using his style to dominate one of the best welterweights on the planet was the highlight of the fight.

Where do these two go from here?

It is time for a title shot for Wonderboy. If he isn’t paired up with the winner of Robbie Lawler vs. Tyron Woodley (UFC 201) barring any injuries, then… I wouldn’t know what to say. He more than deserves it at this point. With knockouts over Johny Hendricks and Jake Ellenberger on his record, the 33-year-old’s win over MacDonald on Saturday should be his last non-title fight for the foreseeable future (until he either loses to Lawler-Woodley winner, or wins but loses his belt to someone else afterwards).

MacDonald is in an interesting situation, because this fight was the last one on his current UFC contract. MacDonald has publicly stated he is interested in testing the free agency market but now coming off two losses in-a-row, his price-tag may have dropped. It is not a guarantee the UFC will be eager to re-sign him for the amount of money he’d be looking for, either. I do believe MacDonald will re-sign with the UFC, but don’t be surprised if he jumps ship over to a rival promotion like Bellator MMA.

Watch now, later or never?

As I said, this was a tactical fight but lacked action for the majority of it. Definitely keep it on your “to-watch” list, but it’s not a fight you need to check out right away.