Stephen Thompson on friendship with UFC Orlando opponent Kevin Holland
Stephen Thompson has revealed what it's going to be like facing a friend in Kevin 'Trailblazer' Holland at UFC Orlando.
Thompson vs. Holland will main-event this weekend's UFC Fight Night card. 'Wonderboy' is looking to put a stop to his two-fight skid. He still has aspirations that a win over the 'Trailblazer' can kickstart another run at the welterweight title.
Speaking on ESPN MMA's panel prior to the card, the 39-year-old explained his mindset heading into a fight against a friend. Thompson shared that he'd even been a guest on Kevin Holland's podcast but admitted it hasn't changed his preparations for the fight:
"I was on his podcast not too long ago... I did his podcast and we got to hang out a bit. He's a nice guy, he's a cool cat. We both know what we have to do when we get out there Saturday. There's no reason to be mad at each other. I spar buddies everyday, we beat the cr*p out of eachother. It's kind of the same. We're friends before, we'll go out there and get it done and we'll be friends after."
Catch Stephen Thompson on ESPN MMA here; comments start at 4:20 mark:
Holland heads into UFC Orlando off the back of his first-round submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev. The 30-year-old had briefly teased his retirement from MMA following the loss, but his bout vs. 'Wonderboy' was announced soon after.
Stephen Thompson eyeing third run at welterweight title
Despite what many would consider approaching the twilight of a fighter's career, the 39-year-old Stephen Thompson is instead looking ahead to UFC gold.
Thompson has fought for the welterweight title twice, coming up short both times against former champ Tyron Woodley. Thompson missed out on the title after a majority draw was ruled in the first fight, but lost via decision in the rematch.
Since competing for the title, Thompson has suffered a fairly mixed time in the octagon. The American is 3-4 in his last seven fights, including losing his last two back-to-back. Despite his run of form, Stephen Thompson is hoping a victory over Kevin Holland will kickstart another journey towards the title:
"Not a whole lot of people get to fight for the title. I fought for it twice, and I didn't get it. I know I'm two or three fights away from getting another title shot. I know there's a murderer's row in front of me, that's why I love this game, because of the chess match. December 3rd, main event against Kevin Holland. This guy is a killer. He's a great striker, probably one of the best... When you watch this guy fight, he gets better and that's a scary guy... My hand's going to be raised at the end of this fight, then I'm gonna go for the title."
Catch Thompson's comments here: