Kamaru Usman Eyes Showdown with Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson for UFC Comeback

“The Nigerian Nightmare” Kamaru Usman is eager to make his long-awaited Octagon return, but before he steps back into the UFC cage, he wants to secure a compelling opponent. Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion, believes that two-time title challenger Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is the perfect match-up for him.

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Usman expressed his interest in facing Thompson during a recent interview, citing the need for a worthy opponent to reignite his career. He believes Thompson’s name recognition and unique fighting style make him an intriguing and challenging adversary.

“I’ve done everything there is to do. The only guy that, to be honest, that even makes sense right now is Wonderboy, because he needs an opponent,” Usman said. “Wonderboy’s been around for so long, and he’s just that name to where it’s always a good fight. His style is very, very difficult to fight. He’s just one of those names, he’s in my era, that I never really got to fight.”

For Thompson, the prospect of facing Usman presents both an opportunity and a challenge. The 36-year-old Usman is coming off two consecutive losses to his longtime rival Leon Edwards, resulting in the loss of his welterweight title. A victory against a high-profile opponent like Usman could significantly boost Thompson’s standing in the division.

However, Thompson has been vocal about his frustration with facing opponents who focus solely on grappling and takedowns to secure a win. He wants to engage in exciting stand-up battles, showcasing his striking prowess rather than being ground out for three rounds.

Usman, with a record of 20-3, is determined to reclaim his spot at the top of the welterweight division, while Thompson, 40, improved his record to 17-6-1 with a recent victory over Kevin Holland at UFC Orlando.

Fans and pundits alike are eagerly awaiting an official announcement regarding the potential clash between Usman and Thompson. If the bout comes to fruition, it promises to be a captivating encounter between two accomplished fighters, each with their own unique skill sets and motivations.