Stephen Thompson Has no Intention of Becoming a Gatekeeper

At this stage of his career, some may view Stephen Thompson as more of a gatekeeper for the top of the welterweight division rather than a title contender. But, as the talented striker prepares to battle rising prospect Geoff Neal, ‘Wonderboy’s let it be known he doesn’t want that role.

Thompson has other plans that being a gatekeeper

If you’re a big, MMA fan, you know that Thompson has been at the top of the UFC’s welterweight division for years now. Back in 2016,  he battled then-champion Tyron Woodley to a majority draw.

Thompson lost their 2017 rematch via decision. But ‘Wonderboy’ rebounded with a decision win over Jorge Masvidal.

Since then, however, Thompson has dropped bouts to Darren Till and Anthony Pettis. So, although Thompson halted Vicente Luque’s six-fight winning streak last November, there’s been debate about whether his title-contending days are over.

The perennial contender is 37 now, and there’s no shortage of talented fighters in the welterweight division.

Recently Thompson spoke with MMA Fighting, and while discussing a gatekeeper’s role, he said this.

“That’s something that I do not want,” Thompson said. “I’ve got to go out there and put on a show come fight time.

Go out there and if I don’t finish him, if I don’t go out there and knockout Geoff Neal, it’s got to be a decisive win for the UFC to say ‘let’s give this guy a top five opponent, he’s still got something left,’ which I do.

I don’t understand why. Hopefully I’m not becoming a gatekeeper because a year ago, I did fight the No. 11 or 12 guy and I’m doing it again.

“I’m not taking it out on Geoff Neal or Vicente Luque. They’re very, very tough guys.

But at the same time it’s like give me a top five guy. That’s what I was looking for in the beginning but when I figured out what was happening, we took this fight with Geoff Neal, who has got the potential for sure to be champion.

He’s a very strong welterweight. He’s got very good boxing and good takedown defense as well. He’s going to be tough for sure.”

And while talking about his next bout, if he beats Neal today, Thompson said this.

““I go out there and put on a good win against Geoff Neal, they’ve got to give me somebody in the top five,” Thompson said. “They’ve got to give me somebody higher ranked.

You’ve got to put your foot down sometime and that’s the plan.”

Thoughts?

Even if you’re a big Thompson fan you can likely understand why this gatekeeper narrative has materialized. Luque was steadily rising the welterweight ranks when he faced Thompson, just as Neal is.

It’s not surprising that Thompson still believes he’s got another title run left in him. But, if he loses to Neal today, his road back to title contention will get considerably longer.

Title shots and rankings aside, Thompson versus Neal has the potential to be something special.