UFC welterweight Stephen Thompson is set to face off against Geoff Neal in the main event for UFC Vegas 17. The two were bumped up to the co-main event slot after the original booking between Edwards and Chimaev fell out. Additionally, the bout will be pivotal in propelling the winner closer to the title picture in a talent stacked weight class.

Thompson has had his fair share of losses in his career. However, they’ve always been close contests. He never fails to put on a strong showing for himself, and contenders have a tough time figuring out his style. Although ‘Wonderboy’ is focused on Geoff Neal, he is keen to map out a road to the title in 2021.

Stephen Thompson on re-matching Jorge Masvidal

The former title challenger spoke out ahead of his main event clash and detailed what he felt made sense going forward. Thompson expressed a desire to compete against Jorge Masvidal who he fought back in 2017. The two went toe to toe at UFC 217 in what is looked at as one of the best cards.

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“My last two guys I fought were ranked number 11, so I think with a good win over Geoff Neal, the UFC’s like ‘You know, let’s give this guy a top-five guy,’” Thompson explained. “I know that Jorge Masvidal has considered fighting me in the past, recently, and try to get that win back. So he’s definitely at the top of the list, would love to see that fight. I know him and Colby Covington, there are talks about them fighting but nothing on paper yet. I think a good win over Geoff Neal puts me in that limelight to face somebody in the top five, and hopefully, in 2021, my goal is to be champion.”

Their first scrap was somewhat overshadowed by the top three bouts on the main card that were all title fights. Not to mention, Georges St-Pierre was making his comeback to MMA and attempted to capture a second belt. However, several years removed from their contest, both men have evolved and are in different spaces in the sport.

Fighting Jorge Masvidal is one of the most high-profile match-ups out there and would be huge for Thompson’s visibility. ‘Gamebred’ is a huge earner and their bout would potentially be a big-time main event in 2021. However, he’ll first have to dispatch Geoff Neal in a decisive fashion.