
via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 04: UFC welterweight Stephen Thompson attends the UFC 209 press event at T-Mobile arena on March 4, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 04: UFC welterweight Stephen Thompson attends the UFC 209 press event at T-Mobile arena on March 4, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
The welterweight division of the UFC is stacked with big names and high-level competition. With fighters like Kamaru Usman, Colby Covington, and Gilbert Burns, it is no surprise that this division is one of the most exciting in the sport. Among these welterweights, Stephen Thompson has stood out as one of the most dynamic and exciting fighters in the division.
Thompson is scheduled to face Michel Pereira at UFC 289 on June 10, 2023. This is a highly anticipated fight as both fighters are known for their striking abilities and have a track record of exciting performances in the octagon.
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Fans react to Stephen Thompson’s recent title conversations
In a recent interview with MMAJunkie, Thompson discussed the possibility of running for the UFC Welterweight title again. Despite suffering two losses in his last three fights, Thompson believes that he can make another run at the title. Having won his last fight against Kevin Holland, he stated that a good win over Pereira would set him up perfectly for a fight in the top five and put him on track for a title shot.
“I think a good win over Kevin and a good win over Michel Pereira, the next fight after that I could definitely be fighting somebody in the top 5. And that’s the goal: to go for that title run again. And I still feel like I have the ability and youthfulness to do so.”
Read More – UFC World Goes Wild as Stephen Thompson Shows MMA Pioneer Bruce Lee’s Lethal 1-Punch Move
However, not all fans are convinced of Thompson‘s ability to make another title run. Many are quick to point out his weaknesses against grapplers. Many others believe that Thompson is only good for fun fights at this point in his career. Here are some of the fan reactions –
One had some pretty tough words for ‘Wonderboy’.
Nah no one takes him seriously anymore, he’s just for fun fights at this point in his career. Scared of grapplers in mma💀
— Combat Sports Insider (@combat_insider) April 19, 2023
While another fan compared him to Dustin Poirier.
him and dustin are the same thing tbh
— 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖜𝖓 (@shawnsafk) April 19, 2023
Some questioned Thompson’s abilities to fight grapplers.
He can't even get past Burns and Belal who are both good grapplers which is his weakness
— Rod (@GGCIR8991) April 19, 2023
Another one pointed out Thompson‘s recent fight against Kevin Holland.
my guy almost got ko'd by holland in 1 round and he thinks he can get the title. or even a title shot
— Cronus (@Cronus1xx) April 19, 2023
Some even questioned his age.
Wish him the best. But he is forty and has problems with grapplers. Uphill battle.
— Charles Smith (@Charles57596167) April 19, 2023
However, there are some fans who still believe in him.
Fact: Wonderboy beats Leon easily.
— ColbyBot (@ColbyBotV2) April 19, 2023
One fan sarcastically said –
Nah man u are tired u just don't know yet
— kayO asiamah (@theyall) April 19, 2023
Another one had an interesting potential match-up for Thompson.
No chance it would happen but I would love to see Izzy vs Wonderboy
— Kyrone Flemingz (@SidepocketSid) April 19, 2023
It remains to be seen if ‘Wonderboy’ can get back to winning ways and fight for the title.
Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson’s previous title shots
Thompson entered UFC in 2012 as an undefeated fighter. After suffering one loss to Matt Brown, Thompson went on a seven fight-win streak. This landed him a title shot against champion Tyron Woodley at UFC 205. Despite putting in an impressive performance, the fight ended in a majority draw and Woodley retained the title.
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via Getty
LAS VEGAS, NV – MARCH 04: Stephen Thompson waits for the decision after his title fight against welterweight champion Tyron Woodley during UFC 209 on March 4, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Woodley retained his title with a majority-decision win. (Photo by Steve Marcus/Getty Images)
Thompson then lost the rematch against Woodley at UFC 209 via a majority decision. After this, Thompson suffered four losses in his next eight UFC fights.
Watch This Story – Stephen Thompson and Aljamain Sterling Fail to Break Joe Rogan’s Record
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However, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson has given MMA fans many memorable moments inside the octagon. While some fans doubt his ability to make another title run, his upcoming fight against Michel Pereira presents an opportunity for him to prove his doubters wrong.
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