Stephen Thompson Earns Unanimous Decision Over Rory MacDonald
A highly anticipated welterweight matchup served as the main event for UFC Fight Night 89 in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. The two combatants were Rory MacDonald (18-4) and Stephen Thompson (13-1). Not only did the fight have title implications, but it very well could’ve been “Red King’s” final appearance inside the Octagon.
“Wonderboy” earned the win and most likely a title shot.
The first minute saw both men engaged in a feeling out process. MacDonald went for a rolling heel hook, but Thompson was able to avoid danger. “Red King” went for the heel hook again, but the result was the same. A front kick to the body landed for “Wonderboy.” An elbow in the clinch landed for MacDonald. Thompson connected with some short punches. “Red King” went high with a kick and it was blocked. The round ended shortly after.
Thompson connected with a couple of leg kicks. “”Wonderboy” had his question mark kick blocked. MacDonald briefly got a hold of Thompson and landed a knee to the body. For a third time, “Red King’s” heel hook attempt was avoided. MacDonald drove in with a single leg attempt and elbowed his opponent on the break. A side kick to the body found the target for Thompson. The two exchanged kicks as the horn sounded.
A leg kick for “Wonderboy” got things underway in the third frame. MacDonald landed a right hand as his opponent moved back. “Red King” found himself on his back momentarily. Thompson landed a kick to the body, but MacDonald connected with a right hand. Thompson leaped in and landed a right hand. Three rounds were in the books and both men remained patient as the crowd became restless. Thompson proved to be the more active fighter up to this point.
Round four began and the two fighters started to open up. Thompson landed a punch off the clinch break. “Wonderboy” found some openings and attacked the head and body of his opponent. A side kick had MacDonald off balance briefly. A jab found the home for “Red King.” Thompson continued to find more openings.
A right hand landed for MacDonald in the final round. The two exchanged punches. Thompson lunged forward with a straight right. A wheel kick missed the mark for “Wonderboy.” MacDonald went for a takedown, but wound up on his back with Thompson in side control. “Red King’s” nose was a bloody mess. Thompson stunned his opponent for a moment. MacDonald tried pressing forward at the end of the fight, but the decision was obvious.
Final Result: Stephen Thompson def. Rory MacDonald via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-45, 48-47)
