Stephen Thompson vs. Jorge Masvidal: What will go down:

Can 'Wonderboy' warrant a third title shot?

An almost certain Welterweight title eliminator features on the main card of UFC 217 as two time title challenger Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson returns to Madison Square Garden, as he faces former Lightweight star and surging 170lbs contender Jorge 'Gamebred' Masvidal. Both men are seeking to bounce back off disappointing defeats, with Masvidal losing a razor-thin decision to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standout Demian Maia, while 'Wonderboy' found himself on the wrong side of an even closer decision to Tyron Woodley in the pairs rematch.

One of the greatest naturally gifted strikers in MMA past or present, 'Wonderboy' Thompson has racked up 57 professional victories throughout his Kickboxing career, amassing an incredible 47 separate KO wins in his MMA and Kickboxing career combined. Picking up 7 straight victories before his UFC 205 meeting with 'The Chosen One'. Thompson had dispatched now Bellator phenom Rory MacDonald, former division king Johny Hendricks, now Interim Middleweight champ Robert Whittaker and long time contender Jake Ellenberger along the way. Holding a ridiculous 6th degree black belt in Kempo Karate, the only questionable aspect to Thompson's game is his BJJ background.

Another man with slick standup is Miami native Jorge Masvidal. With incredible boxing and movement, 'Gamebred' has closed the show for the likes of Donald Cerrone, the aforementioned Ellenberger, Joe Lauzon, Cezar Ferreira and one time Lightweight star Yves Edwards. His most recent career defeat came in the form of Demian Maia, signalled the conclusion of an impressive 3 fight win streak, after 2 consecutive defeats to Lornez Larkin and former UFC Lightweight kingpin Benson 'Smooth' Henderson.

Stephen Thompson via unanimous decision.

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