Two-time UFC welterweight title contender Stephen Thompson who got back to the losing track when Darren Till outpointed him via controversial decision at UFC Fight Night 130 in Liverpool, England. The defeat Wonderboy believes may have been influenced by the crowd in attendance.
Thompson is riding on a rough patch in four out of his last five fights. After fighting to an electrifying draw against Tyron Woodley at UFC 205 for the welterweight title, in a rematch at UFC 209 Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson came up short again with Woodley earned a majority decision nod. Then Thompson rebound back with a win over Jorge Masvidal at UFC 217 in November.
Many believe ‘Wonderboy’ needs a style change, Thompson who recently spoke with MMA Junkie, admitted that he and his father in a process to adjust style techniques for future fights. (Via MMAJunkie)
“That’s something I talked about with my pops right after this last fight,” Thompson said.
“There’s always something you can work on, but just change some stuff up. Work different techniques that I’ve been wanting to work on a whole lot more, than I don’t usually throw when I fight. Just to keep them guessing. My last few losses were controversial. I’ve got to do more. I can’t leave it in the judge’s hands anymore.”
“Sometimes people say, ‘You’ve got to go out there and grit your teeth and just throw,’” Thompson said. “That’s never been my style, but I think I need to be a little bit more aggressive instead of counterpunching. There are other parts of the game I can go work on to keep my opponent guessing.”
Thompson believes he has some more tools in his arsenal that he can use other than karate and striking. He plans on to showcase new techniques like wrestling and jiu-jitsu in upcoming fights.
“I’m definitely going to work on some techniques that hopefully will throw my opponents off and really allow me to open up whenever I’m out there fighting. I’m definitely going to work on my wrestling and jiu-jitsu a little more and you never know,” said Thompson, who holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
“The next fight you may see a little bit more of that. I work it religiously, but when I’m out there fighting I just don’t use it enough. I’ve got to go out there and use some of that. I’m a better, well-rounded fighter than people think.”
Stephen who’s currently dealing with his injured knee suffered during Till fight, hoping to return to the octagon by the end of the year or in early 2019.
