‘Scary Opponent’- Stephen Thompson Breaks Down a Potential Fight With Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya

UFC welterweight elite and MMA veteran Stephen Thompson recently detailed how he matches up against UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The latter, who is still undefeated in the middleweight division, has already joined the list of all-time greats in a brief UFC career.

Thompson, who recently suffered a defeat at the hands of Gilbert Burns at UFC 264, hailed Adesanya’s striking game and detailed what sets him apart from others. “I think it would be very fun,” Thompson said. “I think it would be an interesting match-up. Win or lose with that, just stepping out and fighting one of the best strikers in the UFC would just be amazing.”

One thing that separates Adesanya from the rest is that even though he is winning, he never gives up on learning. The New Zealander tries to strengthen his game after every fight.

“But you know, he has got the reach, man,” Thompson added. “He has got the great timing. Scary opponent. But me being who I’m… considering myself as one of the best strikers, why not? I think that will be awesome.”

READ MORE: ‘It’s Only Business’- Francis Ngannou’s Coach Rips Into UFC For Not Rewarding Fighters During Contract Negotiations

Adesanya has steered clear of any challenge that has been thrown at him. He recently defeated Marvin Vettori in a 5 round clash at UFC 263 to further stretch his domination in the division. The Nigerian-born is expected to face Robert Whittaker in a rematch, probably at the start of next year.

How Stephen Thompson has fared in his recent fights?

As mentioned earlier, ‘Wonderboy’ (16-5) recently lost to Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision at UFC 264, headlined by the McGregor-Poirier trilogy. Prior to that, he was riding a 2 fight win streak.

He fought Vicente ‘The Silent Assassin’ Luque at UFC 244 in November 2019. The American defeated Luque via a unanimous decision. He then fought Geoff Neal last year in December in the headliner of UFC Fight Night 183. He dominated the fighter en route to picking up a unanimous decision win.

WATCH THIS STORY: Top 5 UFC fighters with the highest significant strike accuracy

With the loss against Burns, ‘Wonderboy‘ has increased the distance between himself and the welterweight crown a bit more. At the advanced age of 38, chances of him getting a title shot remain slim.

What did you make of his assessment on a fight with Adesanya?