What’s Next For Stephen Thompson?

This past Saturday the welterweight division was shaken-up. The former welterweight champion and No. 2 in the division, Johny Hendricks, was picked apart by a karate based fighter who many gave little chance of defeating the hard-nosed wrestler with tremendous power in his hands. Some of us saw it coming, but you can’t argue the majority of fans felt Hendricks would grind his way to another victory if he couldn’t get the knockout right off the bat.

In what we can consider a relief, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, was more than prepared to shut down the former champion’s game plan and overwhelm his opponent with his own. You won’t find too many welterweights who can stuff a takedown attempt from Hendricks; Wonderboy, however, did just that and followed it up with a Lyoto Machida like performance, albeit, it was much more aggressive and entertaining to watch.

Thompson shot himself up the ladder five spots to No. 3, knocking the former champion out of the top five where many had quickly grown tried of his “play it safe” approach since losing the title to Robbie Lawler. Now, Thompson is on the cusp of a title shot of his own. Since losing to Matt Brown in 2012, Wonderboy has gone six straight with four finishes and has undoubtedly made a case as a title challenger. So, should Thompson jump right into a title fight or try his hand at demolishing another title contender?

There is no question after his performance Saturday night that Thompson has the prowess to dethrone the champion, Robbie Lawler. Lawler is a far away cry from the term gun shy. The champion’s reign has been nothing less than epic. Fire fight after fire fight. He’s taken punishment that would drop the average fighter, but his grit and utter will to win, coupled with his fire power, have made him an everlasting champion.

Lawler will keep moving forward until his body physically can’t. Thompson, though, with his karate base could be the man that stops the welterweight champion in his tracks. Much like Machida, with his range, Thompson can be elusive but still deliver punishing counters via kicks or punches. And, his offensive output can be overwhelming. Just imagine Machida’s light heavyweight reign, however, with a more aggressive flash to it.

For, Wonderboy, it is neither too soon or too late for a title shot, however. Thirteen fights into his career; Thompson is relatively young as far as MMA miles go. While, he has made a case for a title shot, and did right by calling out for his shot after his win on Saturday, the rising contender still has options before challenging for the welterweight gold. And those options aren’t all that bad. Is it risky? Yes, but Lawler may have some unfinished business before Thompson can get his hands on him.

A fight with, and a win over, Rory MacDonald would be another highlight on Thompson’s record. MacDonald, unlike Hendricks, would be more difficult to fold under Thompson’s striking prowess. The Canadian has more than a fundamental understanding of the standup game and his ground game would be trouble for Thompson. Regardless, a match between these two would be huge and entertaining.

Tyron Woodley is another available option; though, he seems keener on waiting for his “deserved” title shot. Woodley is athletic and powerful and he has come a long way. However, he could find himself in the same boat Johny Hendricks did this past Saturday as he really isn’t much different in style from Hendricks. Carlos Condit is out there too. So is Demian Maia and a rematch with Matt Brown, however, those two are scheduled to dance this May. But, if one drops out, Wonderboy would make a fine replacement.

The options are there, and it’s exciting thinking about the potential match-ups. Thompson proved himself to be a viable threat to any of the top five welterweights in the world. Though he is 33, he is low in MMA miles the room for growth is still abundant. Albeit, a loss could be a huge setback, Thompson can still turn it around because of his present skill set and growing abilities. A title fight may not be next for Wonderboy, but don’t be surprised to see him dethroning whoever is champion at the time, sooner rather than later.

https://youtu.be/AhOcg6BEbXM