Stephen Wonderboy Thompson makes his case for a title shot after knocking out Johny Hendricks at UFC Fight Night 82.
Despite his scintillating performance against Johny Hendricks last Saturday at UFC Fight Night 82, Stephen Thompson still trails behind Tyron Woodley in the official UFC rankings.
“Wonderboy” stifled Hendricks with his elusive movement and attacked “Bigg Rigg” with a barrage of kicks and punches before earning the knockout in the 1st round. The karate expert became the first man to KO Hendricks and made a strong case for a shot at the welterweight title.
#2 ranked contender Tyron Woodley was originally scheduled to face Johny Hendricks at UFC 192 in October but Hendricks was forced to withdraw from the contest after weight cutting complications. Woodley last fought over a year ago in a 180 lbs. catchweight fight with Kelvin Gastelum. The former Strikeforce product beat Gastelum via split decision in a back and forth main event.
Thompson respects Woodley but believes his dynamic fighting style will make for a more entertaining fight with Robbie Lawler.
“You know, my hat’s off to Tyron and it’s disappointing that Hendricks didn’t make weight when they were supposed to fight and he was promised the next title fight,” Thompson told MMA Junkie Radio yesterday. “But I did fight the former welterweight champion and did beat him in the first round. That’s someone who has never been finished. I think I’m just more of an exciting fighter than Tyron Woodley. I think me and Robbie Lawler would put on a better show. I think more people would be more apt to tune into it as well.”
Thompson’s only loss came against the grinding Matt Brown in a back-and-forth epic in 2012 and has since gone on to accumulate a six-fight win streak against notable contenders.