In a recent turn of events within the UFC's welterweight division, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson has publicly called out Leon "Rocky" Edwards, setting the stage for what could be one of the most anticipated fights in recent MMA history. This call-out, made through social media and various interviews, marks a significant moment for both fighters, each with their own storied careers in the UFC.
Stephen Thompson, known for his karate-based striking and often described as one of the nicest guys in MMA, has been a mainstay in the welterweight division for years. With two title shots under his belt against Tyron Woodley, Thompson has consistently been a top contender, showcasing his skills against some of the best in the division. However, his recent call-out to Leon Edwards isn't just about another fight; it's about legacy and proving his mettle against one of the division's current elite.
Leon Edwards, on the other hand, has been on an impressive run, with his sights set on becoming a dual-division champion, a goal that has drawn criticism from Thompson and others. Edwards, after defending his title against Colby Covington at UFC 296, expressed interest in moving up to middleweight, a decision that Thompson finds premature given the depth of competition still left at welterweight.
The Call-Out:
Thompson's call-out was not just a challenge but a critique of Edwards' ambitions. "Leon's talking about moving up to middleweight, but there's still a lot of work to be done at 170," Thompson stated in an interview. "I've been calling him out for a while now, not just for a fight but because it's the right fight for both of us. He needs to clean out the division before thinking about another weight class." This statement reflects Thompson's belief in the integrity of the welterweight division, where contenders like himself, Belal Muhammad, and Shavkat Rakhmonov are still vying for their shot at the title.
The Public and Fighter Reaction:
The MMA community on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) has been buzzing with reactions. Some fans and analysts argue that Edwards' focus on becoming a two-division champion might be skipping steps, especially when fighters like Thompson are still in the mix. "Leon needs to slow his roll," commented one X user, echoing Thompson's sentiments. "There's a line of contenders waiting for him."
However, not all reactions were in favor of Thompson's call-out. Some believe Edwards has earned the right to choose his path, especially after his recent title defense. "Leon's earned his stripes. If he wants to go up, let him," another post read, highlighting the divided opinion within the fanbase.
Looking Ahead:
The potential fight between Thompson and Edwards promises not only a clash of striking styles but also a narrative of legacy versus ambition. For Thompson, it's about proving he's still a top contender and perhaps securing one more shot at the title. For Edwards, it could be seen as a test of his current status and a statement fight before potentially moving up.
As of now, no official announcement has been made regarding this matchup, but the call-out has certainly stirred the waters of the welterweight division. UFC fans worldwide are now eagerly awaiting any confirmation from the UFC, hoping to see this stylistic clash in the octagon soon. Whether this fight materializes remains to be seen, but Thompson's challenge has undoubtedly added fuel to the fire of one of UFC's most competitive divisions.
