Stephen Thompson: Wonderboy records a special message for his fans after dramatic UFC 205 bout
STEPHEN ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson was already a fan favourite heading into his welterweight title fight with champion Tyron Woodley at UFC 205.
And even though the karate star didn’t leave Madison Square Garden with the belt, he came away with the respect of all the fans who watched as he produced a performance of skill and bravery to take defending champ Woodley to the limit as they fought to a majority draw in the night’s co-main event.
Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson fought to a majority draw with Tyron Woodley at UFC 205Per Haljestam
SunSport caught up with the upbeat 33-year-old the day after the fight and handed over our selfie video camera so the popular welterweight contender could send a personal message to the fans who have been supporting him along the way.
"It was a draw but I thought I pulled it out in the last two rounds,” he admitted.
Thompson withstood a barrage of strikes of Woodley in their epic welterweight title fightPer Haljestam
“But you know, it is what it is. I’m going to go back train harder for the rematch.
“Dana White says we’re gonna be having a rematch, and hopefully you guys tune in for that.
“If you liked this fight you’re definitely gonna like the next one.
On the attack: Thompson grew into the fight and started to find a home for his shotsPer Haljestam
"But I just want to say thank-you to all the fans out there. Everybody back home and in England. I love you guys.
"This is what we do, why we do - to entertain you guys and hopefully you guys were entertained.
Counter-striker: Thompson used his control of range superbly to catch Woodley as he blitzedPer Haljestam
And the South Carolina native took time to give fans an up close and personal guided tour of the injuries he sustained in his brutal five-round war with Woodley in New York.
“You’ll see me back in the Octagon real soon. Obviously I’m healing up right now. I’ve got a laceration there (across his nose) from an elbow, right above the eye.
In good spirits: Thompson at the UFC 205 post-fight press conferencePer Haljestam
"That first round was brutal, but I was like, you know what, this guy’s not gonna take me out, he’s not gonna submit me, he’s not gonna knock me out. I’m gonna give this guy hell.
“I thought I did that and hopefully you guys had a good time watching.
"I just want to say thank you."
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