When the scorecards had been being learn after his UFC Nashville co-main occasion bout towards Gabriel Bonfim, Stephen Thompson thought he had executed sufficient to win. As a substitute, he discovered himself on the unsuitable facet of a controversial break up choice.
“I felt I did sufficient to win the combat. Clear Strikes. I felt nice throughout my motion. I felt I had extra harm. The harm was in my favor,” Thompson mentioned on The Ariel Helwani Present.
“Bonfim, a troublesome fighter. Hats off to the man, however when the group, the analysts, and crew are all like this shocked concerning the choice one thing’s not proper,” continued Thompson. “I have been on this recreation a very long time and I do know what it feels prefer to win a combat. And I do know what if feels prefer to lose a combat. I really feel like did not lose that combat.”
“I misplaced a combat however I felt like I received it. Once you’ve received your loved ones, your crew, your family and friends again house – all people who noticed the combat thought I had received the combat.”
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The loss was Thompson’s third consecutive defeat. For the primary time in a decade “Wonderboy” was not ranked within the newly launched UFC welterweight rankings. Contemplating the harm a loss can do to a fighter’s profession, Thompson wish to see extra accountability for the judges.
“I feel there’s received to be extra accountability with the referees. I do know that is not the UFC’s fault. That is often the fee’s fault however there’s received to be extra transparency for positive. Some extra schooling, I really feel like. in the case of judging of those fights,” Thompson mentioned.
Thompson has one combat left on his present UFC deal and plans to meet the contract.
“I do need to maintain going. I’ve thought of it (retirement) after all. I am practical about the place I am at in my life and the way my physique feels. I’ve nonetheless received fuel within the tank, man,” Thompson mentioned. “I am going to discuss to my crew, my household, and we’ll make the best name each time the time comes. However I really feel nice. I need to honor my final combat, for positive. Do not know who, however I positively need to make that occur.”