
via Getty
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 23: Stephen Thompson walks to the Octagon prior to his welterweight bout against Anthony Pettis during the UFC Fight Night event at Bridgestone Arena on March 23, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

via Getty
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 23: Stephen Thompson walks to the Octagon prior to his welterweight bout against Anthony Pettis during the UFC Fight Night event at Bridgestone Arena on March 23, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Stephen Thompson made a triumphant return to the octagon as he put on a clinical performance against Geoff Neal in the last UFC fight of 2020. In the main event of UFC Fight Night 183, Thompson managed to win a unanimous decision with all 3 judges scoring the contest 50-45.
Thompson was always one step ahead of “Handz of Steel.” At the end of the fourth round, though, ‘Wonderboy’ suffered what looked like a knee injury as he was limping. But in the 5th round, Thompson landed 49 significant strikes on Neal, which was his most in a single round.

via Imago
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 19: Stephen Thompson reacts after his victory over Geoff Neal in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on December 19, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)
In the post-fight show, Thompson spoke very highly of his opponent. He revealed Geoff Neal did a fantastic job of holding his own, despite multiple attacks from him. ‘Wonderboy’ praised the coaching and management of Neal’s team.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
He also opened up about the possible seriousness of his injury. He was seen limping on his foot after getting injured. ‘Wonderboy’ revealed he was not sure to which extent he had hurt his knee.
“Not sure yet. It could be a muscle tear here, which is balled up, If you saw me, I forgot which round it was, I was picking my knee up because I thought this was my kneecap, the bulge on my leg. But I think it’s a muscle that’s balled up. Staying positive. Hopefully, it’s not that bad.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What’s next for Stephen Thompson?
Stephen Thompson has made his title aspirations clear. He wants to fight for the title again in 2021. He also issued a challenge for a rematch against his old rival, Jorge Masvidal. Should he progress up the rankings, this fight may be inevitable.

ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
It would be nice to see a rematch between the two seasoned strikers. Thompson defeated “Gamebred” back in 2017. Would you be interested in seeing Masvidal vs Wonderboy 2? What do you make of Thompson’s 5th round performance despite being injured?
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT