“More Fighters Should Do This”: Stephen Thompson’s Call for Radical Changes After Disappointing UFC 291 Fight Cancellation Sees Pros and Fans Back Veteran Wonderboy

The fight fans were eagerly waiting for the bout between Stephen Thompson and Michel Pereira. To their great disappointment, the fight has been canceled, and the two fighters are not a part of UFC 291 now. UFC reporter Megan Olivi announced the matter before Friday’s weigh-ins. Things took an unexpected turn when Pereira missed the weight by 3 pounds during the early weigh-ins. However, Stephen Thompson managed to make the perfect weight at the weigh-ins. Following this, ‘Wonderboy’ decided to call off the fight, as he did not want to fight against an opponent who failed to make weight before the showdown.

Stephen Thompson took to his Instagram handle to let his followers know the reason behind the cancelation of the bout. He detailed that he decided to pull out of the fight as Pereira failed to make the weight. ‘Wonderboy’ thinks fighters should make weight for their fight, and face the consequences if they don’t. It’s the second time Pereira has missed weight, while Thompson has a clean record of making weight before every fight.

MMA community reacts to Stephen Thompson’s decision

 Thompson took to his Instagram and gave a detailed explanation of why he had canceled the bout. The UFC welterweight wrote, “If I don’t finish my opponent risk losing a decision, even if it’s a split decision as what happened when I fought Darren Till and almost the same exact scenario played out back then. Fighters who miss weight face far too few consequences and are often allowed to fight with a significant competitive advantage.” The MMA community was highly excited about watching the bout between Thompson and Pereira. However, when ‘Wonderboy’ explained the situation, they took his side.

UFC fighter Zac Pauga commented under the post that he totally respects the decision of ‘Wonderboy.’ According to him, the fighters should face severe consequences for being irresponsible when it comes to making weight.

“I respect this decision. More fighters should do this. Make a real penalty for missing weight.“

UFC commentator Laura Sanko felt that Thompson made the right decision. Sanko commented, “Respect“

Joe Lauzon believed that ‘Wonderboy’ made a “smart move.” He also suggested that Thompson fight in the next few weeks so that he doesn’t miss good opportunities. Thomson’s last fight was against Kevin Holland at the UFC on ESPN 42 in December 2022.

“Smart move. F that noise. Get on the #ufcboston in a few weeks?“

UFC lightweight fighter Jim Miller also stood with Thompson. Miller assured the UFC welterweight by saying that he did the right thing. He further went on to emphasize the importance of making weight before a fight. According to Miller, it’s time to take a stand regarding the matter.

“@wonderboymma you did the right thing brother. When I was in your shoes, I caved and fought, and fortunately won. The punishment for missing weight is never enough as we’ve seen time and time again fighters advancing their careers off missing weight. Even getting title shots off of missing. The only way for things to change is for us, as the ones that made the weight, to take a stand.”

READ MORE: “An Inspiration to the Upcoming Guys”: Weeks After Coaching Alongside “Friend” Conor McGregor, Stephen Thompson Opens Up on His Experience With the Irishman at TUF 31

Most of the MMA fans supported Thompson and blamed Pereira for missing weight. They believed that ‘Wonderboy’ made the right decision. His MMA record stands at a whopping 17 victories and 6 losses; hence, a fan also claimed that Thompson would easily win against Pereira if the bout took place.

“all the homies hate michel pereira”

“Guys let’s be real, Wonderboy is 100x tougher than all of us and it’s his choice whether to move forward and fight or not, if you are going to blame anyone, blame Pereira”

“we all know you would have beat him anyway”

One of the fans was disappointed with the cancelation of the bout. However, he respected the decision of the UFC welterweight.

“I was so excited for this fight, but respect your decision. Can’t wait to see you back in the octagon!”

From the reactions of the MMA community, it is clear that they stand by Thompson’s decision. Many believed that a fighter should face the consequences if he missed the weight.

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