Stephen Thompson ‘Definitely’ Wants Tyron Woodley Rematch Next
UFC 205 produced some of the most entertaining fights that combat sports fans have had the pleasure of witnessing in quite some time, as three title fights rounded out the historic card form Madison Square Garden in New York City.
In the co-main event of the evening the UFC’s welterweight title would be on the line as champion Tyron ‘The Chosen One’ Woodley would look to make his first career title defense against elite striker Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. The 170-pound title contest proved to be one of the most entertaining bouts of the year, where Woodley nearly ended the fight on multiple occasions, however, Thompson’s heart and will would prevail to see the contest go the distance.
After much confusion from the judges and their score card readings, the contest was declared a draw and ‘The Chose One’ would remain the division’s champion for the time being. During the post-fight press conference following the event’s conclusion, ‘Wonderboy’ stated that although the result was disappointing he is still looking forward to sharing the Octagon with Woodley once again:
“It was better than what it was in the beginning. Having him win the title and then they came back and said it was a draw. I take it,” Thompson said (courtesy of FOX Sports). “It’s not a win, obviously, so it’s definitely disappointing but hopefully we can do it again.
“Hopefully we can get this fight happening again. Getting up, getting ‘Fight of the Night’ that was exciting, I know the fans loved it.”
In the fourth round of the contest Woodley landed a vicious overhand right that put Thompson on the mat, to which ‘The Chosen One’ would eventually lock in a deep guillotine choke that seemed to spell the end for ‘Wonderboy”. Thompson would instead fight his way out of the hold, closing out the round in top position while reigning down a few shots before the closing horn.
Despite almost being finished in the fourth round by Woodley, Thompson believes he still took home the second, third, and fifth rounds to win the contest:
“Ended up getting my head out and threw a few shots right after that and the bell rung. In the beginning, (the choke) was very close, yes.”
“I thought I pulled it out in the last round just by out pointing him,” Thompson said. “He definitely took the first round. He took the first round that was it. Busted me up with a few good elbows, few good shots, I was a little hesitant during this fight.
“I knew he liked to explode in and throw that big right hand. Hit him with a few jabs. I knew how strong he was in the clinch position, which led me to be a little more hesitant closing the gap and I shouldn’t have done that. I should have let it all out.”
Now that the dust has settled on the controversial majority draw decision, Thompson is ready to jump back inside the Octagon for round six with Woodley in effort to capture his first career UFC title:
“I think the fans and everybody were really excited. I think they were entertained,” Thompson said. “Definitely want to do that again.”
While Thompson may want to get his rematch at the welterweight title next, recent circumstances have now landed UFC featherweight and lightweight champion Conor McGregor as a possible opponent for Woodley next. With Demian Maia also waiting in the wings for his title opportunity, will ‘Wonderboy’ get his wish and get the immediate rematch with ‘The Chosen One’?
