UFC Matchmaker: Stephen Thompson – Leon Edwards

Stephen Thompson UFC
Oct 31, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Mixed martial artist Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson attends the New York Knicks game against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Catalina Fragoso-USA TODAY Sports

The UFC‘s welterweight division is in a very interesting spot at the moment. Just over a week ago, one of the top contenders in the division, Leon Edwards (18-3, 1 NC), made his return. However, the fight ended in a No Contest early in the second round.

After the fight at UFC Vegas 21 was over, Edwards said that he wanted a title shot next. While most of us knew that him getting a title shot was unlikely, Edwards pushed for it. Then we got the news that UFC 261 is being headlined by the rematch between Kamaru Usman and Jorge Masvidal. 

With the title fight booked, it’s now time to try and pair up all of the other top contenders at 170 pounds. Initially, the UFC wanted to pair up Leon Edwards with Colby Covington (16-2). Covington is the top ranked welterweight while Edwards is currently ranked third.

This fight would be a great fight to determine the next challenger for the UFC 261 winner. However, Covington has continued to say that he has no interest in fighting Edwards and wants to wait for the winner of Usman/Masvidal.

In reality, I wouldn’t be surprised if the UFC gives Covington the next shot without him fighting prior. With that, where does that leave Leon Edwards? Well, I think the best fight would be looking at the fifth spot in the rankings and pairing him with Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (16-4-1).

Will the UFC book Edwards – Wonderboy?

Wonderboy has had to play the role of welterweight gate keeper his last couple of fights. First the UFC gave him Vicente Luque and then they gave him Geoff Neal. Both young and dangerous knockout artists who were being built up as the next top contenders.

However, Wonderboy picked both of them apart. Now, Wonderboy is on the path for another shot at the UFC welterweight title. Wonderboy has been calling for a fight with Leon Edwards and it makes perfect sense to pair these two up now.

In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Wonderboy said that he deserves a title shot more than Edwards. Well, when you consider the competition, it’s hard to argue. This would be a fun and technical matchup that would say a lot about both men.

If Covington won’t take the fight, the UFC should do what they can to book Edwards – Wonderboy.