Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson continues toward a UFC championship with win over MacDonald
At UFC Fight Night 89, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson continued to make his case for a title shot when he cruised to a decision victory over the no. 1 welterweight contender, Rory MacDonald. It was the UFC’s first fight card to be held in Ottawa, Ontario, and Thompson pulled off the win in MacDonald’s own backyard.
It had been 11 months since MacDonald last competed and it appeared as though ring rust may have been a factor. Regardless of any lengthy layoff, Thompson’s precision striking, timing, and takedown defense were ultimately the tools that stifled MacDonald’s offense and ability to impose his will. Thompson earned a unanimous decision over “The Red King” to notch his seventh straight win.
The surging competitor, who trains in Long Island, NY, alongside Chris Weidman, last defeated former UFC champion Johny Hendricks. With the MacDonald win, Thompson became the owner of the longest active win streak in the weight class. Thompson wasted no time campaigning for a shot at the belt after his hand was raised.
“Title belt, baby! Title belt,” said Thompson in his post-fight interview. “I want the winner of Robbie Lawler and Tyron Woodley, baby. New York!”
In the post-fight news conference, Thompson added that he thinks he’s earned the right to be called the no. 1 contender.
“I was expecting a [title shot] after the Hendricks fight, but I had to face Rory tonight. He’s a friend. Sometimes you’ve got to do it, but hopefully, after this fight…I want that title shot baby, yes.”
For MacDonald, it’ll be interesting to see what his future holds. This outing marked the last fight on his current UFC contract and he is coming off of a pair of losses. Though he was finished by reigning UFC welterweight champion Robbie Lawler in his title bid at UFC 189. The bout is still regarded as one of the best fights of 2015.
Still, MacDonald was gracious in defeat.
“Hard fight, man,” said MacDonald post-fight. “It was good though. I mean, I came in the best shape of my life. I was at my best tonight. So, I mean, I can’t take anything away from Stephen, I really can’t. He stopped all my takedowns successfully, he’s a tricky guy. I wish him all the best.”
CERRONE BECOMES FIRST MAN TO FINISH COTE WITH STRIKES
Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone moved up to welterweight for a second time and became the first man to finish Patrick Côté with strikes.
It also marked the seventh third-round stoppage at the event which set a new UFC record. And to top it off, Cerrone moved into the history books, becoming the only fighter to earn 15 finishes in UFC and World Extreme Cagefighting history.
Côté, who had fought previously at middleweight and light heavyweight, was knocked down three times in the fight. Cerrone sealed the win when he connected with a right hook and followed up strikes.
Ranked at no. 4 in the UFC lightweight division, Cerrone stated in his post-fight interview that he didn’t have a preference as to which weight class he’ll compete in next. However, the New Mexico-based fighter did say he’d be ready to step into any fight at UFC 200 if need be.
“All I know, there’s 36 fights at UFC 200. I think I can get on one of those,” said Cerrone.
WOMEN MAKE HISTORY IN FIRST UFC FLYWEIGHT BOUT
Scotland’s Joanne Calderwood faced Valerie Letourneau, a one-time strawweight title challenger, in the first-ever 125-pound women’s bout to take place in the octagon. Currently, the UFC only has two women’s weight classes: strawweight and bantamweight.
In the third round of action, Calderwood finished the Canadian with a devastating series of strikes. Just before the collision was stopped, Letourneau turned her back on Calderwood after being struck with a crushing body shot. Follow up punches came and the referee waved off the bout.
In her post-fight interview, Calderwood stated that she wants to move back to the 115-pound division to make a run at the belt. So, perhaps no official flyweight division will be formed in the UFC. At least not for now.
FORMER HOCKEY ENFORCER EARNS FIGHT OF THE NIGHT
Last, but not least, Steve “The Boss” Bossé and Sean O’ Connell turned in the Fight of the Night.
Bossé, a former semi-pro hockey league enforcer turned MMA fighter, stood toe-to-toe with O’Connell in clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats. While both fighters landed pulverizing shots and continued to pummel each other with punches, neither man could end it. The battle went the distance and Canada’s Bossé secured the decision.
Contact reporter Heidi Fang at hfang@reviewjournal.com or 702-477-3839. Follow her on Twitter: @HeidiFang