LI & Wonderboy hope to fight on UFC 205
(Long Island, NY., August 9, 2016) – Former middleweight champion and Long Island native, Chris Weidman, has had his ups and downs lately. Whether it was losing his belt at UFC 194, or having neck surgery, Weidman has stayed positive throughout.
In the last few days, it looks like things are on the upswing as he has posted pictures of his training sessions and even has family, who happens to be ahead of him in another UFC division, on his side.
Stephen Thompson, just like Weidman has tasted victory, but unlike Chris, he has yet to win a belt, or even been given a title chance. Thompson, who is the number-one contender in the UFC’s welterweight rankings after his dominate performance against Rory MacDonald at UFC Fight Night 89, wants a chance at the title shot. The only person standing in “Wonderboy’s” way is the newly crowned champ, Tyrone Woodley.
Within seconds of having won the belt, and by shocking the world by knocking out two-time champ Robbie Lawler at UFC 201, Woodley said he wanted no part of Thompson and is looking for a “money fight” against bigger names. Names such as Nick Diaz or former champion, Georges St-Pierre.
Thompson, who is Weidman’s brother-in-law, (Stephen’s younger brother married Weidman’s younger sister) is hoping that things change and he can fight on the same card as Weidman. If healthy, it is anticipated that Weidman will fight on the biggest card of the year, at UFC 205, on November 12, at Madison Square Garden, and Thompson thinks it would be incredible.
“Wonderboy”, who occasional trains along Weidman under the Serra-Longo Fight Team, was quoted on Sam Alvey’s P4P Podcast with some interesting remarks.
“UFC 205 is going to be one of, if not the biggest cards of the year in Madison Square Garden, and it’s my dream to fight for the title there,” Thompson said. “I’ve spent a lot of time in New York, so it’s like a home away from home. I’ve been there training at Ray Longo’s with the likes of Chris Weidman and Matt Serra. Those guys are just awesome.”
Thompson, who has the obvious connection with Weidman also has connections to many of the fighters who are also expected to be on the card if healthy.
“I know that if they are going to New York, then you are going to have Chris (Weidman), you are going to have Gian (Villante), you are going to have Aljamain (Sterling) and Al (Iaquinta),” Thompson said. "All the guys from that gym are all going to be there, so we are all going to be supporting each other, and I think it will just be a really fun camp and a really cool experience.”
Only time will tell what happens in anticipation for UFC 205, and who Thompson (13-1), who has won seven-consecutive bouts, fights next. One thing is for sure, UFC 205 will be well represented by Long Island and that is as exciting as it gets.
MMA Long Island Magazine is published by MMA New York Media Corporation. For more information please visit www.mmalongislandmagazine.com or call (516) 318-2418.
Photo credit: bjpenn.com
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