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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Farah Hannoun

Stephen Thompson: ‘I still feel like I have the ability and youthfulness’ to make another UFC title run

Make no mistake about it: Stephen Thompson is still gunning to become UFC champion.

Thompson (17-6-1 MMA, 12-6-1 UFC) snapped a two-fight losing skid with a striking masterclass over Kevin Holland this past December in the UFC on ESPN 42 headliner. Those two losses came to top contenders Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad, who used a grappling-heavy approach to stifle his offense.

Thompson’s next assignment comes in the form of flashy striker Michel Pereira (28-11 MMA, 6-2 UFC) on June 10 at UFC 289 in Vancouver. Pereira is on a five-fight winning streak, but the Brazilian sits numerous spots below “Wonderboy” in the rankings. Thompson, a former two-time title challenger, explains that with a solid win over Pereira, he aims to return to top contention.

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