Tag: Step

Stephen Thompson Thinks He’s A ‘Terrible Matchup’ For Kamaru Usman

Thompson UsmanStephen Thompson is hoping to face Kamaru Usman next. Thompson has been campaigning for a title shot for ages but for now, will have to make do with a top-ranked welterweight matchup with Gilbert Burns which features as the UFC 264 co-main event on Saturday. Being the highest-ranked fighter not to face Usman yet, “Wonderboy” […]

Thompson Usman

Stephen Thompson is hoping to face Kamaru Usman next.

Thompson has been campaigning for a title shot for ages but for now, will have to make do with a top-ranked welterweight matchup with Gilbert Burns which features as the UFC 264 co-main event on Saturday.

Being the highest-ranked fighter not to face Usman yet, “Wonderboy” is hopeful an impressive win over Burns all but guarantees him the shot. Especially as he feels he’s a terrible matchup for the champion.

“I’m the guy that hasn’t faced him yet,” Thompson told MMA Fighting. “It feels like everyone in the top-10 has already fought him at some point in time. Leon Edwards has fought him in the past. Gilbert Burns has fought him. Colby Covington has fought him. He just knocked out Jorge Masvidal. Like who else is this guy going to fight? And then I think it was not too long ago he was talking about fighting Michael Chiesa and it’s like why wouldn’t it have been me?

“I think I’m a terrible matchup for him. I feel like that I’m the last man standing right now. A good win over Gilbert Burns, he’s going to have to face me.”

It would be hard to deny Thompson as a win over Burns would make it three in a row for the former title challenger who has looked very impressive in his recent outings against Vicente Luque and Geoff Neal.

It would be even more so the case if the best version of Burns shows up as Thompson expects.

“Gilbert Burns, his loss against [Usman], I know it got to him and that’s why I wanted this fight, too,” Thompson explained. “Because I know that I’m going to be facing the best Gilbert Burns. He wants that win back. He wants to come back and show the UFC that he’s better than that last fight. So I know when I step out there, I’m going to be facing off against a dangerous Gilbert Burns.

“His striking, he’s got the power, the ability to knock you out. The ability to take you down and not only that but he’s got crazy jiu-jitsu. That’s why I’m in this game. That’s why I’m excited about this because I’m going to be facing the best. I wouldn’t want anything less than what Gilbert Burns is going to bring on July 10.”

Aljamain Sterling on the Rise and Bringing the Funk Every Step of the Way

It’s quite possible Aljamain Sterling is the threat none of the top fighters in the UFC bantamweight see coming at the current time. And that’s just fine with him. In fact, it was one of his fellow members of Team Serra-Longo who traveled a similar trajectory until he shocked the world by dethroning the man […]

It’s quite possible Aljamain Sterling is the threat none of the top fighters in the UFC bantamweight see coming at the current time. And that’s just fine with him. In fact, it was one of his fellow members of Team Serra-Longo who traveled a similar trajectory until he shocked the world by dethroning the man […]

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Ray Borg vs. Chris Kelades: Winner Could Take a Huge Step Up Flyweight Rankings

The UFC’s flyweight division may contain some of the most action-packed contests in the sport, but it has failed to grab the attention of mainstream fans. That situation has played into the hands of the competitors within the weight class, as they can quickly take a jump up the rankings ladder. Ray Borg and Chris […]

The UFC’s flyweight division may contain some of the most action-packed contests in the sport, but it has failed to grab the attention of mainstream fans. That situation has played into the hands of the competitors within the weight class, as they can quickly take a jump up the rankings ladder. Ray Borg and Chris […]

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Aldo vs. Mendes 2 Results: Breaking Down Next Step for Both Fighters

The rematch between defending featherweight champion Jose Aldo and No. 1 contender Chad Mendes was the most anticipated fight on the UFC 179 card, and the main event did not disappoint. Aldo retained his championship via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46), but MMA fans are already talking about what’s next for both the champion and […]

The rematch between defending featherweight champion Jose Aldo and No. 1 contender Chad Mendes was the most anticipated fight on the UFC 179 card, and the main event did not disappoint. Aldo retained his championship via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46), but MMA fans are already talking about what’s next for both the champion and […]

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5 UFC Stars Who Will Take a Step Back in 2015

Every year, the UFC sees a handful of fighters take flight and soar. Whether through an inevitable title shot, an illustrious winning streak or plain old good fights, these standouts often rebirth a division. However, MMA is not for the faint of heart. As fast as these fighters rise, the quicker they fall. This isn’t […]

Every year, the UFC sees a handful of fighters take flight and soar. Whether through an inevitable title shot, an illustrious winning streak or plain old good fights, these standouts often rebirth a division. However, MMA is not for the faint of heart. As fast as these fighters rise, the quicker they fall. This isn’t […]

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UFC’s New Drug Policy Could Be a Crucial Step into the Light (and in Wooing GSP)

According to reports, the Holy Grail may be at hand. The UFC announced, via ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, on Wednesday that it will ramp up its drug testing efforts during the coming months, instituting random, year-round blood and urine screening for a percentage of its nearly 500 contracted fighters. UFC vice president of regulatory affairs Marc […]

According to reports, the Holy Grail may be at hand. The UFC announced, via ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, on Wednesday that it will ramp up its drug testing efforts during the coming months, instituting random, year-round blood and urine screening for a percentage of its nearly 500 contracted fighters. UFC vice president of regulatory affairs Marc […]

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