Stephen Thompson wants to fight Ian Machado Garry, but does not expect it

Former UFC welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson likes the idea of ​​fighting Ian Machado Garry, but he doubts it will happen.

Stylistically, Garry (15-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is an attractive opponent for Thompson (17-7-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC), but he admits he's not on the “future” radar. Thompson, 41, is no longer chasing UFC gold, but is confident he can still compete with top contenders. When asked for his thoughts on potential matchups with Garry and Michael Page, “Wonderboy” explained why Garry is more attractive.

“I think it would be great, especially Ian Garry,” Thompson said on the “Believe You Me” podcast. “But right now I kind of see where he is. He just wants gold. I don't think he would even give me a chance. I'm ranked 9th. He's close to the title. I think that's his next goal. And MVP would be, I think – I think the fans would love that fight. That's it. I think that would be it.

“We're just moving around the whole time and staring at each other down. We're both counter-fighters, you know. We come from that karate background, we want the guys to come forward so they can execute our techniques so we can use our angles and blitz. But if you have another counter-fighter on the other side of the Octagon, it could potentially be one of the most boring fights ever, and I think people would boo him. I think people would boo this fight. I really do, man.”

Garry remained undefeated when he scored a close decision victory over Page at UFC 303. Meanwhile, Thompson will look to rebound when he faces rising contender Joaquin Buckley (19-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) on Oct. 5 at UFC 307 (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

“What made the fight with Ian Garry so special and exciting was that Ian Garry just came forward,” Thompson said. “He wanted to come forward. He wanted to get close, which can play into the hands of the 'MVP,' but obviously Ian Garry was better than him that night.”

“I would definitely like to have that fight with Ian Garry, but I think he just wants the title. But I don't mind fighting these young guys like Joaquin Buckley and Kevin Holland and all those guys. I enjoy still competing with those guys.”