Stephen Thompson is eager to be Donald Cerrone’s opponent if “Cowboy” is looking for a fight as he returns to UFC.
Cerrone, 41, who retired in 2022, has re-entered the UFC drug-testing pool, signaling a potential comeback. While no fight is set, Thompson, 42, has publicly stated his desire to face Cerrone.
On the Overdogs Podcast, Thompson reiterated his interest in fighting Cerrone.
Thompson mentioned he is recovering from an elbow injury sustained in his last fight. He is aiming for a return around April or May. He believes a fight with Cerrone would be exciting, highlighting Cerrone’s veteran status and similar era in MMA.
Thompson suggested a welterweight bout at 170 pounds if Cerrone prefers not to cut down to 155 pounds. He thinks a matchup between two experienced fighters would be appealing. While nothing is confirmed, Thompson is hoping for this fight in the April-May timeframe.
A fight with Cerrone could be beneficial for Thompson, who is currently on a losing streak. Despite past challenges for the UFC title, Thompson has faced inconsistent results recently.
Thompson acknowledges Cerrone’s strong ground game and submission skills, anticipating a mixed martial arts approach from Cerrone.
Regarding his own longevity in the sport, Thompson credits his team for helping him manage his health and training. Although he fights less frequently now, he feels close to his prime when he competes.
Thompson emphasizes the importance of having a supportive team to advise rest and recovery. He believes this approach is key to his continued performance at 42 years old.
Despite recent losses, Thompson remains dedicated to training and improvement. He feels physically and mentally sharp, attributing it to focused recovery and smart training.
