If there was any question about the best striker in the welterweight division, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson responded emphatically with his performance at the UFC Vegas 17 main event.
The former title challenger was dominant from start to finish, as he made a stunning clinic to beat Geoff Neal during the five rounds. “Wonderboy” was dazzling on his feet, beating Neal in almost every turn and keeping only It would be Contender veteran guessed, no matter how hard he tried to return.
In the end, all three judges scored the fight 50-45 for Thompson, winning his second straight victory overall.
“It feels great,” Thompson said of his victory. “I was gone for a year. I broke both hands in my last fight a year ago at UFC 244. This is the longest time I’ve actually been in the fighting game in a while. I’m glad I’m back. Geoff is a tough and tough opponent. “
Always an impossible puzzle to figure out, Thompson was quickly on his feet as he fired a variety of shots and counterattacks as Neal tried to cut the cage and chase him over the octagon. Neal did a good job keeping his hands up to avoid any serious damage, but Thompson kept guessing at every step.
Even in the moments when Neal would have attacked in an attempt to overwhelm Thompson, the former two-time title contender was quick to throw a signed side kick or simply get out of the way before anything could connect. .
The Thompson assault continued only as time passed in the second round.
The 37-year-old veteran flashed Neal in the head, kicked him in the body and mixed his combinations in such a way that Texas’ strong fist simply couldn’t beat him.
Neal managed to catch Thompson against the cage at one point, where he unleashed a huge left, but it was ultimately a throwing shot that did not land with a full impact.
That exchange managed to give Neal a little more confidence to cram the “Wonderboy” in an attempt to reduce the distance, but Thompson was smart to move away before spending too much time against the cage.
With 10 minutes left, “Wonderboy” was definitely in control as he danced around Neal’s offensive attempt and he was just blistering with his shots. Again and again, Thompson pulled Neal’s head back with a straight shot, which then led to header attempts as he tried to finish the fight.
Neal managed to lure Thompson into a series of wild exchanges, but that has not yet led to finding a home on the opponent’s chin. Even before the time expired, Thompson was still explosive with fists and blows, while continuing to add to significant general landed strikes.
While Neal managed to stay in all three rounds, Thompson was too much on his feet, showing why he is still ranked among the best weights in the world in the UFC.
Before Saturday night, Thompson had asked for a higher-ranking opponent and this is still his wish, giving revenge to Jorge Masvidal, whom he defeated deeply in 2017.
“Wonderboy is still here,” Thompson said. “That title, 2021, I tell you will be mine. I want to see MFN versus BMF. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson Vs. Jorge Masvidal 2. “