“Stupidest Fight” – Snubbing Ian Garry, Veteran Stephen Thompson’s Decison Opting for Kamaru Usman Fight Leaves the MMA World Divided

Former UFC title challenger Stephen Thompson has been making headlines recently after a disagreement with boss Dana White. Thompson has been campaigning to get paid despite his UFC 291 bout against Michel Pereira falling through after the latter failed to make weight. While White and Thompson seem to be disagreeing over the issue, rising welterweight prospect Ian Garry called out ‘Wonderboy’ for a scrap. However, the veteran striker has someone else on his mind as opposed to the undefeated Irish starlet. But Thompson’s choice of opponent for his next scrap has left the fans scratching their heads.

Presently, Thompson has shifted his focus to facing former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. In Thompson’s eyes, a win over Usman would raise his stock much higher and help his title fight ambitions than a win over Garry. Nevertheless, the fans are finding it hard to back the protean striker on his choice of opponent.

Fans react to Stephen Thompson vs. Kamaru Usman fight lineup

Kamaru Usman called for a fight against Stephen Thompson after two consecutive title fight losses. ‘Wonderboy’s’ decision to take on Usman as his next opponent has left the MMA world in a state of shock, especially considering that Ian Garry was seeking a fight with him. His choice has generated a substantial amount of opinions from fans, both positive and negative. Fans flocked to Instagram to express their opinions.

Fans have argued that Thompson made a mistake in choosing Usman as his opponent, suggesting that it would have been much better if he had selected Ian Garry for the fight. Here are some of the reactions from fans:

• Wonderboy knows usman’s knees are toast – train all camp with takedown defence and blast those knees 
• He actually chose the worst matchup. He could piece up Ian Garry, with Jack della it would be a close fight too, Shavkat is a bad matchup but Usman might be a worse matchup
• Terrible match up man gonna be like the beating he got from belal but even worse
• Stupidest fight they could make usman just gonna lay on him for 3 rounds
• And if usman somehow misses 2-3lbs you going to bail too??

Meanwhile some other fans were really fine with the match and took the stance of supporting Thompson :

• Completely reasonable and fair. It’s also his hardest matchup
• Can’t blame WB for wanting to fight up in the rankings and possibly get a title shot but I don’t see how he’s in that position after only beating a non ranked (at the time)
• Add that to December card with conor and sean!!!!

Read more: ‘Dana White Privilege’ Is Real, but It Just Didn’t Work Out for Him, Suggests Ex-UFC Star in Shocking U-Turn

The reactions from the fans reveal differentiated opinions about the matchup. Some of them are quite disappointed with Thompson’s choice of fight, while others are relatively content with the lineup. Nevertheless, it would be reasonable to say that fans were hoping for a matchup between Garry and Thompson.

‘The Future’ Garry calls out Thompson for the ultimate showdown

Following his emphatic unanimous decision victory against Neil Magny, Garry wasted no time in seizing the mic for his post-fight interview. With a confident grin, he extended a challenge to none other than Thompson. Garry, who goes by the moniker ‘The Future,’ yearned for a chance to cross paths with ‘Wonderboy’ in the Octagon, eager to demonstrate that he represents the next evolution of MMA’s striking game.

In a recent interview with MMA fighting with SBN, Garry stated that he believes this match will happen, even though Thompson has rejected any matchup against him. Gary further stated that he wants to fight Thompson, not out of remorse, but out of pure respect for what he has achieved in the world of MMA.

In a bold move, Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson has determined to fight Usman instead of Ian Garry. This selection has sparked a debate amongst MMA fans, with a few expressing disappointment and others assisting Thompson’s ambition. The big question is: Will Thompson’s gamble towards Usman pay off, or will he regret missing the chance to fight the rising prospect, Ian Garry?

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