Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson isn’t even considering retirement. He’s been a mainstay of the UFC welterweight rankings for almost a decade, but won’t be leaving the Octagon any time soon. Thompson discussed the issue in a recent episode of The Fighter vs The Writer. Thompson won’t even consider an alternative to his pursuit of UFC gold.
“If I’m fighting, I’m looking for the title. I’m still going for the title. I’m not giving up on it. I feel good. I’m 39, I’ll be 40 in February and I feel like I’ve still got more in me.”
Wonderboy Refuses To Consider Retirement
Thompson has endured some nightmarish matchups of late, from a stylistic point of view. Thompson, an old-school striker rooted in karate, has historically underperformed when faced with wrestlers, something ‘Wonderboy’ willingly admits to.
“I know there’s a slew of high-level wrestlers in the welterweight division, especially in the top 10. So for this camp and every camp on, I’m still trying to improve the wrestling and get better at it.
Coming in fairly later in the game and mostly doing striking and playing catch up with my wrestling and jiu-jitsu, it’s kind of like my No. 1 priority, especially after losing to those two guys by wrestling. Not just guys holding me there but guys win that way. I’ve got to be able to nullify those guys and to be able to not let that happen.”
Thompson’s opponent at today’s UFC event, Kevin Holland, has endured similar fortunes against elite wrestlers. Both appeared relieved to be facing a striker for UFC Orlando, which Thompson won via stoppage.
“It’s kind of a way to show not just the guys in the UFC but people those last two fights who have said I’m a bum, kind of go back and remind them I’m still one of the top welterweights in the UFC and you’ve still got to watch out for Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson.
It’s time to go out there and do it and put on a show. That’s what we do. I want to go out there and let everybody know I’m still here.”
Wonderboy endured two losses in a row, against Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad, respectively, before righting the ship with today’s victory over Kevin Holland. He will be looking to string together a few more victories and mount a title charge, particularly considering that the current champion, Leon Edwards, is also a striker.
Do you think Wonderboy will ever be champ? Let us know in the comments.
