Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson (16-6-1) is looking to bounce back after his recent back to back losses against none other than BMF belt winner and 2x UFC Welterweight title challenger Jorge ‘Gamebred’ Masvidal (35-16).
The two met in the octagon at UFC 217 back in 2017, with “Wonderboy” getting the unanimous decision nod from all three judges. After the loss, Jorge went on to reinvent himself at 170lbs, proving to one of the best in the division. With finishes over Darren Till, Nate Diaz and Ben Askren, which he earnt Knockout of the Year for.
Thompson currently finds himself on a 2 fight losing skid after being out pointed by Belal Muhammad (21-3-1 nc) and top ranked Fight of the Year 2022 contender Gilbert Burns.
Masvidal also finds himself in need of a win, having lost his last 3 fights. (Unless you count his Miami fiasco with Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington as a win for Jorge). His actual octagon losses came from Pound for Pound number 1, Kamaru ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ Usman twice, and most recently, former team mate turned bitter rival Colby Covington.
Does this fight make sense?
Both men are know for their stand-up prowess and have struggled with wrestling heavy attacks from their most recent opponents. Jorge is ranked #8 in the rankings whilst Wonderboy sits just one place above him in #7. So we see both a stylistic reason to fight and a divisional ranking reason. Something the UFC matchmakers look past in recent times. Not to mention, both men are hugely popular with the fans. Jorge notably stating he is the third highest paid athlete on the whole UFC roster.
When?
Stephen hasn’t fought since the Muhammad fight in December 2021. Whilst Masvidal fought just a few months ago at UFC 272, in March 2022. As mentioned above, Masvidal was involved in an altercation with #1 ranked Welterweight and former foe Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington, outside a Miami restaurant. Which could halt a return to the cage for the self proclaimed Miami King, due to the legal action being taken on him.
Both men could feature on a UFC PPV main card. International fight week in July could suit both men time wise, if the bout agreement was signed sooner rather than later. We could also see the men headline a Fight Night. This would also give Wonderboy and Gamebred 25 minutes to battle it out. Surely a better scenario for us, the fans? And also, a better seller for the UFC than the recent diluted Fight Nights of late? No names mentioned here *cough* HOLM vs VIERA *cough*.
Would you want to see the Nicest M’fer vs the Baddest M’fer? Does a PPV main card slot work better for these slightly ageing fighters? Or are we sold on a 5 round Main Event Fight Night Headliner?
Either way, sign me UP!
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