UFC Orlando: Amway Center; Orlando, Florida
It was really starting to look like the gatekeeper at welterweight was “Wonderboy”. However, at least on this night Stephen Thompson finds the fountain of youth. As he kept the pace high and slowly broke down the bigger Kevin Holland. But what does it all mean for his future?
The top of the UFC’s welterweight division is still full of landmines. And the chances that the former two-time title challenger will get a third-shot at the strap let alone win it is hard to imagine. Especially since he has always had problems with grapplers.
Holland and him both wanted to keep the fight on the feet. And until the fourth-round when a left hand put the “Trailblazer” down where Thompson connected with some ground-and-pound; that’s what happened. The relentless array of kicks from Thompson broke Holland down so much so, he might have broken his hand.
And in a smart move by BOB PEREZ, broken hand or not waived off the fight in between rounds. Better to live to fight another day, than to take an unnecessary beating.
Stephen Thompson Finds Fountain Of Youth For At Least One Night… Does He Drink From It Again
Although before the main event, Rafael dos Anjos also winning in impressive fashion called out Conor McGregor for a battle in July it may make more sense for these two to square up. Especially since it’s up in the air the mind set of the “Notorious” One. Although it would be a tough fight for Thompson with RDA’s ground game.
So it might look like the best other suited opponent is Belal Muhammad. Who’s presently on a four-fight win streak. Muhammad would definitely prefer to keep the fight on the feet as well. Before this finish, the last one Thompson had was way back in February of 2016 versus Johny Hendricks. And Muhammad doesn’t have the side-to-side footwork like Holland does, let alone doesn’t hit as hard.
So whether or not he gets another crack at the title, deep down a couple of more finishes would be a nice way to wrap up a career.
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