Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, a long-standing presence and multiple-time title challenger in the UFC`s competitive welterweight division, recently offered his perspective on a potential major shake-up: lightweight champion Islam Makhachev reportedly eying a move up to challenge for the 170-pound belt held by Jack Della Maddalena. Thompson, known for his calm demeanor and striking expertise, didn`t hesitate to voice a common sentiment among divisional hopefuls.
From Thompson`s vantage point – that of a fighter who has navigated the welterweight landscape for years and twice fought for its ultimate prize – the idea of an outside champion immediately stepping into a title fight is problematic, particularly for those currently grinding away within the division`s top ranks. “If I was in the top-five,” Thompson stated candidly, “I would be very upset.”
His reasoning is straightforward: there`s a queue, a pecking order established by wins and losses within the weight class. Fighters like the undefeated powerhouse Shavkat Rakhmonov, the rapidly rising Ian Garry, and even the recently resurgent former king Kamaru Usman have dedicated their careers to climbing the welterweight ladder. In Thompson`s estimation, these individuals, having proven their mettle specifically at 170 pounds, are inherently “more deserving” of a title opportunity than someone arriving from a different division.
Thompson suggested that a more conventional path would see the new welterweight champion, Della Maddalena, defend his title against at least one or two established contenders from within the division before any cross-divisional bouts are considered. It’s an argument rooted in the traditional structure of mixed martial arts weight classes – earn your shot in your division first.
While expressing his concerns about the potential impact on the welterweight rankings, Thompson also provided a brief technical breakdown of the hypothetical clash. He sees a significant challenge for Makhachev in moving up in weight.
Della Maddalena, being a naturally larger fighter who recently defeated a grappling-heavy opponent in Belal Muhammad to win the belt, possesses key attributes that could trouble the lightweight king. Thompson highlighted Della Maddalena`s “great takedown defense” and solid grappling base as major factors. Although noting that Makhachev`s striking might be superior to Belal Muhammad`s, Thompson concluded that a fight against Della Maddalena would undoubtedly be a “very tough fight for Islam.”
Ultimately, Stephen Thompson`s commentary underscores a perennial tension in the sport: the balance between rewarding dominant divisional champions with superfights and respecting the hard-earned positions of contenders who have paid their dues within a specific weight class. For the welterweight hopefuls, a potential Makhachev challenge means an outsider might just jump the line they`ve been standing in.
