‘Wonderboy’ Isn’t Down With Khamzat Chimaev’s Big UFC Push

Stephen Thompson is set to battle Geoff Neal in the headliner of UFC Vegas 18 this Saturday, but that didn’t happen, until the card’s original main event was canceled. Well, as it turns out, ‘Wonderboy’ wasn’t exactly thrilled with the UFC’s initial headlining bout for the event: Leon Edwards versus Khamzat Chimaev.

Thompson call’s Chimaev’s main event a “slap in the face”

Chimaev has been receiving a big push from the UFC, just three fights into his UFC run. That’s because the undefeated fighter made UFC history this past summer, by becoming the first person to win two fights, in 10 days. 

Then, after Chimaev quickly KO’d Gerald Meerschaert in September, UFC President Dana White announced the promotion was going to book Chimaev (9-0) in a main event. Eventually, the UFC scheduled the #3 ranked welterweight, Edwards, to face Chimaev in the headliner of UFC Vegas 18.

Edwards, however, contracted COVID-19 and had to drop out. So, the UFC moved Thompson – Neal into the main event slot.

Recently Thompson spoke with MMA Junkie, and while doing so, the vaunted striker had this to say about the situation (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“I think he was ranked No. 15, which doesn’t make sense to me,” Thompson said.

“I know he’s had one fight in the welterweight division, and his opponent (Rhys McKee) is 0-2 right now and normally a lightweight, a 155er, so it just doesn’t make sense how this guy can jump past everybody who’s worked their behinds off to get to where they’re at, and now he’s ranked No. 15 fighting the No. 3 guy, I believe.

It’s just ridiculous to me.

“I had to fight through murderer’s row to get to where I’m at and so did Leon Edwards. He was on a (eight-fight) winning streak to get to where he’s at.

I had to fight a slew of guys, I mean tough opponents. Robert Whittaker, Jake Ellenberger, Rory McDonald, Johny Hendricks to get to where I’m at, and then this guy just jumps past everybody.

I think it’s a slap in the face to everybody who’s worked their butts off.”

Thoughts?

So, even folks who were down with Chimaev being booked for a main event in just his fourth, UFC fight, shouldn’t be surprised and or upset with Thompson’s comments here.

From a business perspective, it’s clear the UFC wants to push Chimaev big time, as they believe he can become a big star. But, if you think main events and promotional decisions should be made with ranking considerations, then you can see where Thompson’s coming from.

Now, if you’re wondering about Neal’s record and ranking, he’s currently ranked #11, and he’s gone 5-0 to date in UFC bouts.