Stephen Thompson will likely be incomes two paydays at UFC 296.
Not solely will the promotion pay him to compete in opposition to Shavkat Rakhmonov on Dec. 16 in Las Vegas, it’ll additionally cough up his lacking “present” cash from UFC 291, again when “Wonderboy” stood his floor and refused to struggle Michel Pereira after “Demolidor” did not make weight.
Simply do not name it a bribe.
“I do consider that they’re going to … I believe the deal is, after I struggle Shavkat, they’re going so as to add on what they owed me for the final struggle,” Thompson informed fellow UFC fighter Chris Weidman on SiriusXM’s “Received’t Again Down” (transcribed by MMA Junkie). “I don’t suppose they’re bribing me, but it surely was the truth that I wished any individual — okay, so there was the factor about Usman after that struggle.”
Thompson was briefly linked to a possible struggle in opposition to former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman; nevertheless, it appears the promotion had different plans.
“Usman referred to as me out, and I wished that struggle, however the UFC stored coming again and saying, ‘No, Usman’s not gonna struggle you, he’s gonna struggle any individual else.’ So there’s so much happening,” Thompson continued. “Then Ian Garry fights and he calls me out, clearly. After which I get a name from the UFC saying, ‘Hey, struggle Ian Garry at MSG.’ I’m like, ‘No, I’m achieved preventing these guys which might be ranked under me. Give me any individual that’s ranked above me.’”
Surging welterweight prospect Ian Garry wished to check his standup abilities in opposition to Thompson but it surely seems “Wonderboy” was extra focused on preventing an opponent ranked above him. As of this writing, the No. 6-ranked Rakhmonov is seated one spot above Thompson (No. 7) and 5 spots above Garry (No. 11).
“Individuals are taking a look at this man, undefeated, hundred % end price. No person desires to struggle this man, so right here I’m,” Thompson mentioned. “I’m like, you already know, do I struggle any individual ranked under me? Do I struggle any individual ranked above me, in all probability one of many hardest guys within the division who no person desires to struggle? I’ll struggle Shavkhat. Let’s do it. Let’s make it occur. I consider (if) I am going on the market and I beat this man – he ought to be preventing for the title after this struggle with Leon (Edwards) and Colby (Covington). I believe Shavkhat’s received it (if he wins at UFC 296). So if I beat this man, I’m taking a look at one other title shot once more.”
For the remainder of the UFC 296 struggle card and PPV lineup, which incorporates the welterweight title struggle between Leon Edwards (c) and Colby Covington, click on right here.
