Wonderboy

UFC booking Stephen Thompson – Geoff Neal

by

The UFC‘s fight night on December 19th is getting another really solid matchup at welterweight. Per ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (15-4) will be taking on rising contender Geoff Neal (13-2).

The UFC had been working on matchups for both men that fell apart. The promotion was initially working on a matchup between Thompson and Khamzat Chimaev. Of course, Chimaev is headlining this card against Leon Edwards. 

Thompson wasn’t interested in the Chimaev fight, so the UFC moved on. Geoff Neal was originally supposed to take on Neil Magny. However, a couple of months ago, a health scare sidelined Neal who had already been having a tough 2020.

The two top ten UFC welterweights will now go to battle on a card that is shaping up to be huge for the welterweight division. Both men have title aspirations, and they will be looking to continue winning streaks when they step into the octagon on December 19th.

Moving Day for the UFC welterweights.

Between this fight and the headlining fight, this card is turning out to be a moving day for the UFC‘s welterweight division. For Wonderboy, he’s looking to climb the latter to get back to a UFC title shot. He’s fought for the title twice going 0-1-1 in those two contests.

The last we saw Wonderboy was last year at UFC 244. That night, Thompson was able to use his point style striking to defeat contender Vicente Luque by unanimous decision. Thompson is looking to turn back another dangerous contender on December 19th.

It’s been a tough year for welterweight contender Geoff Neal. The UFC struggled to get Neal a fight and as a result, Neal actually started waiting tables to make some money. Then he was supposed to fight Neil Magny before that fight was scrapped.

Neil will enter the octagon on a seven fight winning streak. Only one of those fights has gone the distance. If Neal can come out and stop a former title challenger like Wonderboy, it will put the rest of the UFC‘s welterweight division on notice.

UFC: Gilbert Burns has no interest in fighting Leon Edwards

by

A couple of days ago, news broke that the UFC 256 headliner between welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman (18-1), and Gilbert Burns (19-3) was off. Usman will need a little more time to prepare to defend his UFC title after getting banged up in his last contest.

The UFC is planning on putting that fight together in the first month or two of 2021. However, a top contender who is dying for a fight has already been active in calling out Burns. Leon Edwards (18-3) is itching for a fight, and he thinks Burns is the perfect opponent.

Edwards said in a tweet that he would be willing to fight Burns on December 12th. This was followed by ESPN’s Ariel Helwani suggesting the two fight to determine a true number one contender. Edwards has been on the sidelines for over a year now, but is on an eight fight winning streak.

Edwards has been lobbying for a top fight, and he sees this as his chance to prove he’s the number one contender in the UFC‘s welterweight division. However, Burns has no interest taking the fight, and he’s planning on waiting a month or two for his UFC title shot.

What does the UFC do?

In my opinion, the UFC should stick to their current plan. They should plan on having the Usman – Burns title fight early next year. If Usman was going to be out for a long time, I would have made the Edwards – Burns fight for an interim title with the winner facing Usman next year.

However, that is not the case. Burns is only going to have to wait one or two months to get his shot at UFC gold. This is the second time that his title shot has been postponed. First it was his positive COVID test on Fight Island, and now Usman not being ready.

Burns deserves this shot and nobody should take issue with him waiting. Durinho later suggested that Edwards should go fight Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson. This is the fight I’ve been saying that the UFC should make.

Once the title fight is re-booked, everyone in the top six will be booked besides Edwards and Thompson. The fight just makes sense for all parties, but Edwards says he’s not interested. I still think that’s the fight the UFC should push to make.

Leon Edwards only wants a UFC title shot or top 4 opponent in his next fight

by
Leon Edwards

The UFC has a little bit of a problem in their welterweight division. They have fights they want to make, but the fighters involved don’t seem interested in the fights that the promotion wants to make. Let’s start with the situation regarding Khamzat Chimaev.

The UFC is wanting to showcase their new star in a headlining fight in November. They wanted Chimaev to fight Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, but Wonderboy has turned down the fight. This leaves the UFC with very few options for Chimaev.

Instead, Wonderboy has called out Leon Edwards. This is a fight that makes sense from a rankings perspective. However, Edwards is not interested in fighting Thompson despite his top five UFC ranking. He cited Thompson’s knockout loss to Anthony Pettis as a reason.

Edwards told MMA Fighting, “As far as Wonderboy, he got knocked out like a fight ago. Pettis knocked him out one fight ago. If I go out there right now and I fight Wonderboy and I beat Wonderboy, the UFC will be like ‘let’s go one more in the top-five and then we’ll go for a title.’ They wouldn’t give me a title shot straight away.”

What should the UFC do?

Despite the objections from Edwards, the UFC should push to make the Wonderboy – Edwards fight. Despite the complaints from Edwards, he really hasn’t defeated anyone of significance inside the welterweight division. His best wins came against Donald Cerrone and Rafael Dos Anjos.

Neither one of those guys are true UFC welterweights. I really don’t understand Edwards’ argument. Yes, he’s won eight consecutive fights, but he hasn’t defeated any top guys in the welterweight division. Wonderboy would by far be the best fighter that Edwards has fought in the division.

Kamaru Usman is fighting Gilbert Burns for the title at UFC 256, and the promotion is working on booking Jorge Masvidal – Colby Covington. The winner of that fight will fight the winner of the Usman – Burns matchup which takes place in December.

Edwards has been begging for a top four opponent, but there’s nobody to fight at the moment. Edwards is in a position now where he either needs to accept the Wonderboy fight, or wait until 2021 for the top four to finish their fights.

Stephen Thompson turns down UFC match with Khamzat Chimaev: ‘It just doesn’t make sense for me’

by

The UFC has been trying to book a headlining fight with their budding star Khamzat Chimaev (9-0). The promotion is wanting to have Chimaev headline a Fight Night in November once they return from this latest stint on Fight Island.

The UFC had been offering the fight to Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (15-4-1). However, Wonderboy didn’t seem interested and instead has spent his time calling out Leon Edwards (18-3) for a fight. Both of those men rank inside the UFC‘s top five at welterweight.

Dana White said that the UFC was close to finalizing a matchup for Chimaev that was not Demian Maia. Maia was originally supposed to fight Chimaev if Chimaev defeated Gerald Meerschaert. After Chimaev knocked out Meerschaert in 14 seconds, the promotion had other plans.

The UFC appeared to still be angling for the Wonderboy fight. However, Wonderboy has continued to turn the fight down. He elaborated more on his YouTube channel saying, “No, I’m not fighting him, man. I mean, it just doesn’t make sense for me at this point. I’m ranked No. 5 to fight a guy who is unranked?”

UFC’s booking issue

You can’t really blame Wonderboy for his train of thought. Wonderboy has been grinding for years in the UFC‘s welterweight division and he’s fought for the title twice. This would be a total stepping stone type of fight for Chimaev.

If you’re asking me, Thompson is thinking correctly. The fight to make is between Thompson and Leon Edwards. Both of those UFC welterweights need a fight, and they are both in the top five. Edwards wants a high profile fight, but most of the top contenders are booked.

The UFC then has an issue with Chimaev. I’m not sure if Maia decided to turn down the fight, but that to me was still the fight to make. Chimaev would be a massive favorite, but Maia has challenged for UFC gold multiple times in his career.

It would be a massive name and a big victory for the Russian. White said that the UFC was close to announcing something, but it wasn’t Maia. We now know it’s not Thompson either. I’m going to be really interested to see who the UFC decides to book across from Khamzat Chimaev next.

UFC: Leon Edwards says Jorge Masvidal is ducking him

by
Leon Edwards

At this point, you almost have to feel bad for top UFC welterweight Leon Edwards (18-3). Edwards is currently on an eight fight winning streak and he’s the third ranked welterweight in the division. However, the UFC can’t get him a fight.

He’s called out Jorge Masvidal multiple times for a fight. He’s called out Colby Covington, and he even said he would fight Nick Diaz. Despite his attempts, nothing has materialized and Edwards has continued to sit on the bench.

Edwards said to MMA Fighting that the UFC offered him and Masvidal the fight. Edwards said that he agreed to the fight, but the UFC‘s BMF turned down the opportunity to face Edwards in the octagon.

“I want the fight. The UFC wanted the fight. They offered it to him and he turned it down. He said he’d rather fight Nate Diaz. I don’t understand it. He claims he wants to get back to the title shot and fight for a world championship. I don’t understand what fighting a person like Nate Diaz will get you? I don’t know,” Edwards told MMA Fighting

What does the UFC do with Leon Edwards?

Edwards said that he would either want to fight Covington, Masvidal or for the title in that interview with MMA Fighting. Anything else inside the UFC isn’t of great interest. However, there is one fight that makes a lot of sense if you ask me.

Last week, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (15-4-1) called out Edwards. Thompson has challenged for the UFC title twice and he’s currently ranked fifth in the division. He would be the highest ranked opponent Edwards would have faced to this point.

Despite the fact that the fight makes sense, Edwards hasn’t shown much interest in fighting Thompson. In fact, he hasn’t even responded to the callout. Edwards’ biggest problem right now is the lack of care the public seems to have in him.

Realizing that, he’s really wanting a fight with someone who could elevate him by ranking and status. While Wonderboy would help his ranking status, it’s not the sexiest fight in the world which is probably why Edwards hasn’t shown much interest.

UFC: Khamzat Chimaev to headline against highly ranked opponent

by

The UFC‘s newest budding superstar is getting a main event slot in his next fight. This week, Dana White confirmed that Khamzat Chimaev (9-0) would be headlining a card in his next trip inside the octagon.

However, the promotion hadn’t finalized an opponent. Originally, the UFC was talking about Chimaev fighting Demian Maia after he fought Gerald Meerschaert. Chimaev demolished Meerschaert in 14 seconds last Saturday at UFC Vegas 11.

While that was the original plans, the promotion has different names in mind. Yesterday, Combate came out with a report that stated that Chimaev would be taking on Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson on December 19th.

However, this fight has not been finalized per Dana White. But, the promotion has offered the fight to Thompson. Wonderboy seems more interested in fighting Leon Edwards who he recently called out per White.

Who will the UFC have fight Chimaev?

Neil Magny came out yesterday and said that he wanted to be the one that the UFC had fight Chimaev next. However, the promotion seems to be looking higher in the rankings than Magny. White said that Leon Edwards wouldn’t be an option for Chimaev.

If Wonderboy doesn’t take the fight, the UFC only has a few more options for Chimaev. They could go with Magny, but they could also pivot back to Demian Maia who’s currently ranked sixth in the division. One spot behind Thompson as of last week’s update.

Michael Chiesa could be another name that the UFC could target. However, I think Maia still makes the most sense given the fight’s headlining status. I think a fight with Maia would bring more eyes as opposed to Chiesa or Magny.

Perhaps the promotion could talk Wonderboy into the fight. Although, a fight with Wonderboy and Leon Edwards makes a ton of sense. The promotion is currently working on it, but we do not that Chimaev will headline in December, we just don’t know who it will be against yet.

UFC: Leon Edwards called out by Stephen Thompson

by
Leon Edwards

It’s been no secret that the UFC has been struggling to find an opponent for Leon Edwards (18-3). Edwards is currently ranked third in the welterweight division. However, he’s been in this weird limbo position where he can’t get a fight.

Edwards had a fight with Tyron Woodley booked in March, but that was scrapped due to COVID. Now, Edwards has been waiting for the UFC to find him a fight. However, nothing is sticking despite him calling out virtually everyone.

This morning however, someone turned the tables and called out Leon Edwards. This fighter will likely be the fifth ranked UFC welterweight contender once the new rankings come out, and he’s fought for the title a couple of times. Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (15-4-1) called his shot in the most Wonderboy way possible this morning.

Will the UFC make it happen?

In reality, this is a great fight for the UFC to make. I know that Edwards has been campaigning for a higher profile fight with the likes of Jorge Masvidal, Gilbert Burns, Colby Covington, and Kamaru Usman, but Edwards still hasn’t beat anyone in the top five during his winning streak.

Wonderboy would be the first top five opponent he’s had in the UFC‘s welterweight division. It would be a fantastic matchup and Wonderboy is coming off of a very good win against Vicente Luque back in November at UFC 244.

Edwards is normally really active on social media so my guess is we will see a response. Edwards isn’t getting any of the top guys unless someone gets injured so this would be the perfect fight for him. If he could beat Wonderboy, that would be a big feather in his cap.

If the UFC brings this fight together, it’s massive for both men. Edwards would be looking for his ninth straight victory inside the octagon while Wonderboy would be looking to get back to a UFC title shot. The welterweight division is exciting right now, and I really like this potential matchup for both men.