Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson made a massive case for a title shot on Saturday night, picking Johny Hendricks apart and becoming the first person to stop him by strikes at UFC Fight Night 82.
It was a statement win over a former UFC Welterweight Champion, and Thompson made his intentions clear during the post-fight press conference on Saturday.
“Of course, defeating Hendricks, he’s a tough guy, the No. 2-ranked guy, former welterweight champion – I’m asking for the title,” Thompson said (transcribed by MMAJunkie.com). “I know there’s a lot of guys in line, but I think after that performance, I deserved it.”
Thompson has now won six straight fights in the UFC’s welterweight division, stopping four by (T)KO, including finishing three of his last four opponents in the first round.
Penick’s Analysis: Thompson just made a really strong statement for a title fight. For as much as Carlos Condit deserves a rematch with Robbie Lawler, and for as much as Tyron Woodley’s been keeping a spot in line, Thompson’s case is as strong or stronger. The potential wrench in that is a possible return of Georges St-Pierre, but Thompson looked fantastic against Hendricks Saturday, and can’t be any further than one more fight away from that shot.
[Photo (c) Stephen R. Sylvanie via USA Today Sports]
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