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Stephen Thompson added his name to the mix as one of Conor McGregor's potential opponents when he returns to the octagon in 2023.
Thompson joined Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, where he spoke about his most recent win against Kevin Holland. It was a spectacular performance, and now the former UFC welterweight title challenger is looking to carry that momentum into a lucrative bout. When discussing the topic of who he could potentially face next, Stephen Thompson mentioned that his preference is McGregor:
"There are a few opponents that are being talked about. Number one, Conor McGregor. People are wanting me to fight Conor."
It's no surprise that anyone on the UFC roster wants a fight with 'The Notorious', but it would be a logical bout based on 'Wonderboy's performance against Holland. Both fighters are primarily strikers, so it would raise the overall excitement, and it would be intriguing if they matched up.
Thompson also added that a rematch with Jorge Masvidal or a bout against Michel Pereira would be appealing:
"There is the BMF [Jorge Masvidal], which I've been trying to get. BMF vs. the NMF, people are wanting to see that and people are wanting to see the striking class. They wanna see us strike. And of course, [Michel] Pereira. That would be awesome, acrobatic ninja."
'Wonderboy' proved that he still has a lot of fight left in him at age 39. Competing against another striker brings out the best in him, and it should be a formula for the UFC to use going forward.
Could Stephen Thompson vs. Jorge Masvidal 2 on the horizon?
Stephen Thompson and Jorge Masvidal are no strangers to one another. They fought at UFC 217 in 2017, which saw 'Wonderboy' earn a unanimous decision after the judges scored the bout 30-26, 30-27, and 30-27 in his favor. Since then, 'Gamebred' has become one of the promotion's biggest stars, while 'Wonderboy' has experienced his fair share of setbacks in an attempt to earn another UFC welterweight title opportunity.
Based on their current standing in the welterweight division, 'Wonderboy' vs. 'Gamebred' 2 would be a logical fight for the UFC to book. Masvidal will surely look to avenge a loss and snap his three-fight losing skid. Meanwhile, 'Wonderboy' will look to continue his career resurgence at 40 years old.
