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‘I’m Next’- Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson Looking to Secure Welterweight Title Fight Against Kamaru Usman

Published 03/15/2021, 5:30 AM EDT

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Stephen Thompson took to Twitter and announced that he wants to be next in line to face champion Kamaru Usman. Chiefly, the events that transpired between welterweight contenders Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad had something to do with his Tweet. The aforementioned main event fight ended in a ‘No Decision’ after Edwards landed an accidental fight-ending eye poke to Muhammad.

‘Remember the Name’ Muhammad was unable to continue as he was temporarily immobilized from the eye poke. Referee Herb Dean had no choice but to call off the bout, and yet another marquee fight ended in controversy. What’s more, the same main card produced another NC as Eryk ‘Ya Boi’ Anders kneed Darren Stewart, who was considered grounded.

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Stephen Thompson wants another crack at gold

‘Wonderboy’ Thompson has already fought for 170-pound championship gold twice against former champion Tyron Woodley. He came incredibly close to actualizing his goal and even picked up a draw in the first contest. Now, with a new champion at the helm, Thompson is excited to test himself against Usman’s fighting style.

Stephen Thompson is on a two-fight win streak and last defeated Geoff Neal in a dominant UD victory. He is ranked number five at welterweight, and the fighters above him have already fought Usman once before. ‘Wonderboy’ has traditionally had an incredibly hard striking style for fans to figure out and he wants his crack at ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’

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However, even if the Edwards vs Muhammad rematch plays out, Kamaru Usman is speculated to have an appointment with Jorge Masvidal. There have been rumors swirling that ‘Gamebred’ and Usman will be coaches on TUF and then will ultimately fight. Their first fight at UFC 251 did fantastic numbers, and the UFC will be keen to put that fight together once more.

via Imago

If a Masvidal fight is on the table, it’s highly unlikely that Stephen Thompson will secure a title fight before him. The UFC will look to get ‘Gamebred’ back to action as soon as possible so that they can capitalize on his stardom. He is still a major player in the rankings, and he brings in way more eyeballs than any other welterweight.

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Do you see the UFC overlooking Masvidal in favor of ‘Wonderboy’?

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Written by:

Darryl Pinto

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Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.
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