UFC Fight Night: Stephen Thompson will face Kevin Holland in the main event this weekend at UFC Orlando. While their contrasting styles mean fans can expect a great fight, it will also be no surprise if there’s a knockout. So ahead of his clash, let’s look at Stephen Thompson’s career and rank his best knockout wins. Follow UFC Fight Night: Stephen Thompson vs Kevin Holland LIVE Streaming updates with Insidesport.IN.
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Thompson is arguably one of the most precise strikers in the UFC. This is thanks to years of Karate under the tutelage of his father. As a result, his UFC career has some stunning, highlight-reel knockouts. Here are the top five Stephen Thompson KOs.
UFC Fight Night: Stephen Thompson vs Kevin Holland: Best Knockout Wins of Stephen Thompson
Stephen Thompson vs Robert Whittaker
Number five on the list is Thompson’s win over Robert Whittaker in 2014 at UFC 170. Whittaker tried to close the distance and back up Thompson against the cage. Thompson landed a powerful overhand right, which dropped Whittaker. ‘Wonderboy’ then finished the fight with more devastating punches.
Stephen Thompson vs Chris Clements
Fourth on our list of Stephen Thompson knockouts is his one-punch KO of Chris Clements at UFC 165 in 2013. ‘Wonderboy’ landed a precise overhand right on Clement’s chin. It almost looked like Thompson knocked out Clements in slow motion with the way Clements had a delayed reaction. This was another example of Thompson’s devastating power.
Stephen Thompson vs Johny Hendricks
Number three on our list of Stephen Thompson knockouts his victory over Johny Hendricks. The two fought in 2016 at a UFC Fight Night, and Thompson showed his wide variety of skills. ‘Wonderboy’ first rocked Hendricks with a short, sharp right hand. Then followed it up with a flurry of punches. After that, Thompson landed a thunderous round-house kick to the chest. The kick dropped Hendricks and gave Thompson the chance to finish the fight.
Stephen Thompson vs Jake Ellenberger
Coming in second is Thompson’s incredible KO of Jake Ellenberger. In fact, second and first in our list can also be interchanged. That’s how good both knockouts were. Ellenberger and Thompson fought in 2015 in the TUF 21 Finale.
‘Wonderboy’ showcased his superior Karate and out of nowhere, threw a round-house kick to Ellenberger’s head. While the kick did not land flush on Ellenberger’s head, it was still enough to knock him out without needing any more follow-up punches.
Stephen Thompson vs Dan Stittgen
Number one on our list and the best Stephen Thompson KO for us has to be his knockout of Dan Stittgen in 2012. Stittgen threw a kick at Thompson to try to maintain distance. However, Thompson showed his incredible speed when he countered.
‘Wonderboy’ answered back with a devastating three-shot combination. Left jab, right hand, and then the perfect kick to the face. The timing, placement, and connection of the kick make this number one on our list. Thompson landed it flush on Stittgen’s chin and put him out cold.
What do you make of our list of the top five Stephen Thompson knockouts? Which do you think was the best?
Follow UFC Fight Night: Stephen Thompson vs Kevin Holland LIVE Streaming updates with Insidesport.IN.