Bryson’s a big hit
STEPHEN THOMPSON insists he hasn’t given up hope of becoming UFC welterweight champion, despite being at the tail end of his career.
‘Wonderboy’ came up short in his back-to-back bids to dethrone former 170lb king Tyron Woodley in November 2016 and March 2017.
South Carolina’s Thompson put himself back in the hunt for a third crack at the title last November with a dominant decision victory over the highly touted Vicente Luque at Madison Square Garden.
The 37-year-old finds himself sixth in the rankings but is confident he still has plenty of time to fulfil his dream of winning gold.
Thompson said: “Everybody keeps asking me, ‘You’re 37, aren’t you too old for this?’. I’m like, ‘Nah’. I do have a small window to do what I want to do. Four years, five years, maybe.
“To some people that’s a short period of time. I haven’t given up on the title yet and I’m not going to.”
Thompson’s confidence stems from seeing multiple fighters have continued success in their late thirties, adding: “The fact that I’m seeing these guys fighting older motivates me. Glover Texeira just dominated Anthony Smith and he’s in his forties.
“And look at Yoel Romero and Demian Maia. I want to fight as long as my body will let me.”
After rediscovering his mojo against Luque, Thompson believes still has a key role to play in the title picture.
“You ain’t seen the last of Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson,” he said. “That’s all I got to say.
“I’m in the division, I just beat one of the top guys in the division.
“I’m coming for that title.”
■
BRYSON DECHAMBEAU is convinced he’s about to hit the big time – thanks to his big frame.
USA Ryder Cup star Dechambeau, the world No.12, unveiled his beefed-up body at the Charles Schwab Challenge in Texas, the PGA Tour’s restart event.
He now weighs more than 17 stone and it has dramatically increased his driving distances.
He averaged 345 yards off the tee in round one at Colonial, where his longest drive was a mega 367 yards. His drive average in 2019 was 302.5 yards.
Dechambeau, 26, who ended up tied third as Daniel Berger prevailed, said: “I didn’t get the job done this week but my time is coming.”
Now he boasts a swing speed of around 140mph and ball speed of 200mph.