Stephen Thompson wants UFC title fight vs Fil-Am fighter Robbie Lawler

Nissi Icasiano

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Stephen Thompson wants UFC title fight vs Fil-Am fighter Robbie Lawler
Thompson confidently points out that his dynamic fighting style can end Lawler's reign as the UFC welterweight champion

MANILA, Philippines – Stephen Thompson made his case for a welterweight title shot with resounding clarity as he outclassed Rory MacDonald in 5 rounds in the main event of UFC Fight Night 89 over the weekend. 

The 33-year-old native of Simpsonville, South Carolina easily cruised to a unanimous decision victory as his length and height advantage were in full display, controlling the distance and chopping down MacDonald with counterpunches and crisp kicks. 

Thompson inflicted a severe damage in the fifth and final round, where a glancing wheel kick opened the floodgates of blood from MacDonald’s nose.

MacDonald pulled guard in a desperate attempt to change the complexion of the one-sided 170-pound confrontation, but Thompson delivered staggering elbows and short punches from side control before escaping to his feet. 

Extending his winning streak to 7 fights, Thompson turns his attention to the winner of the welterweight championship clash between current titleholder Robbie Lawler and Tyron Woodley at UFC 201 on July 30.

However, Thompson prefers to square off with the Filipino-American champion, who is universally recognized as one of the hardest punchers in the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA).

“I think definitely me and Robbie Lawler would put on a better show. Tyron Woodley is an explosive guy, but he is a wrestler. I think people want to see a striking war,” he said during the post-fight press conference. 

“Wonderboy” stressed that he and Lawler will stage an exciting match-up inside the UFC’s famed Octagon as both men are known to stand and bang with their opponents. 

“People want to see someone get knocked out. I’m not saying Tyron can’t do that, but I figure fighting him, he’d be shooting more toward the legs trying to get me down on the ground,” Thompson stated. 

Thompson confidently pointed out that his dynamic fighting style can end Lawler’s reign as the UFC welterweight champion. 

“He is the type of guy that gets stronger as the fights go on, so I’ve got to be the best shape of my life if I step in there and fight against Robbie Lawler,” he expressed. 

“He does stand there in front of you. I like guys that stand there in front of me. I can use my movement and use my kicks. Switching sides can frustrate him a little bit. I tried to do that with MacDonald a little bit. It worked a little bit but I just couldn’t get inside. He’s got such a long reach. But I had to go out there and play the game,” Thompson added.

In Thompson’s trip to the Philippines last February, he gave a thumbs up to the idea of fighting Lawler for the UFC welterweight belt in front of Filipino MMA fans.

“When I do fight him, I think it will be awesome fighting in the Philippines. I think we will put a good show. The fans here are amazing. They are some of the best I’ve seen,” he told Rappler. – Rappler.com

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