41-year-old ‘Wonderboy’ still legitimate striking threat in the welterweight division, admits Kamaru Usman
Former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman backs Stephen Thompson’s ability against young blood Joaquin Buckley at UFC 307.
Kamaru Usman believes Stephen Thompson is still a threat in UFC (via Imago)
Stephen Thompson, famously known as ‘Wonderboy,’ will participate in his 26th professional fight against rising welterweight Joaquin Buckley at UFC 307. Going into the fight, some fans are skeptical about Thompson’s age and ability to perform at the top. However, former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman does have a contrary opinion to this narrative.
Thompson joined UFC in 2012 and has fought some of the biggest names in welterweight history. The fighter has competed for the title twice but never got the opportunity to hold it. At the age of 41, the South Carolina native is active as an MMA analyst and a fighter. According to Kamaru Usman, Thompson still has an elite striking, which can create problems for anybody in the division.
Even though Wonderboy is like 41, this man can still put hands on a lot of guys in the division…Wonderboy, cutting angles and putting combinations together ending with a kick to your face. Yeah, Wonderboy is not the guy you let stand and start spinning on you.
Kamaru Usman via Pound 4 Pound Podcast
Usman mentioned that if he was in the place of Buckley he would have shot for a takedown as soon as possible. Thompson is well-known for his superior striking abilities, which were influenced by his karate and kickboxing background. His wide, diagonal stance, quick footwork, and ability to attack from unexpected angles make him an extremely successful striker.
Thompson uses a combination of rapid sidekicks, spinning moves, and precision punches to keep opponents in check. His ability to manage distance and counterattack has earned him a place among the UFC’s best-regarded strikers. Going into UFC 307, fans expect an entertaining bout between Thomson and Buckley.
Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson predicts his fight with Joaquin Buckley at UFC 307
For Stephen Thompson and Joaquin Buckley, the motivation to fight each other at UFC 307 is quite different. Beating Thompson would be a huge win for the younger fighter. However, for ‘Wonderboy’, it’s an opportunity to prove that he can still hang with the best 170-pounders. With his age, fans expect the fighter to retire, but Thompson doesn’t necessarily have the same plan.
The South Carolina native is in great shape and has mentioned feeling like a 25-year-old in his 40s. Besides his striking, Thomson has been working on his ground game and wants a submission win. However, during a recent interview, the veteran mentioned about exploiting Buckley’s ego for his benefit.
He does have an ego. I feel like he’s the type of guy that thinks he can beat you at your own game. So I can kind of lure him down. If the knockout happens, it happens. If a submission happens, it happens.
Stephen Thompson via MMA Junkie
The fight between Buckley and Thompson is on the preliminary card for UFC 307. Thompson’s absence from the main card will mark the first time since 2014. While he finds this adjustment a ‘little weird’, he has committed to proving his credibility to the UFC in the bout.
Ameetosh Dash
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