Donaldson now the Bringer of UFC Belts
TORONTO — If all goes according to plan for UFC welterweight contender Stephen Thompson, he’ll have his arm raised in victory after his upcoming title fight in Las Vegas. And he wants Toronto Blue Jays slugger Josh Donaldson to be the one to wrap the belt around his waist.
Thompson was cageside with Donaldson to watch UFC 206 on Dec. 10 in Toronto. He said they broached the idea with the UFC president that night.
“I talked to Dana White and he said he could do that. He said, ‘I’m down,’” Thompson said. “So they shook hands on it, Josh and Dana White. Whenever I win that title, he’s going to be able to put it around my waist. So we’re taking his word for it and hopefully we’ll make that happen.”
Thompson is scheduled to fight champion Tyron Woodley March 4 in the UFC 209 main event in Las Vegas. It’s a rematch of their bout from November in New York, when Woodley retained the title after they fought to a majority draw.
Donaldson, a longtime mixed martial arts fan, posted some kind words on Twitter about Thompson’s performance that night. The two met up for a workout at a Toronto hotel before UFC 206.
“I didn’t know he was a big UFC fan until then,” Thompson said. “I didn’t really know he actually knew some actual MMA techniques. He trained in boxing, kick-boxing, things like that.”
Donaldson said he was excited to get a chance to work out with Thompson and then watch the card with him.
“In my opinion, he’s one of the best strikers in the game,” he said. “So it was awesome to be around a person who was not just good, but great at what he does and have him show you a few things.”