Veteran welterweight Stephen Thompson, a fighter who has himself contested for divisional gold on multiple occasions, has weighed in on the significant discussion surrounding lightweight champion Islam Makhachev`s potential move up in weight class to challenge the newly crowned welterweight king, Jack Della Maddalena. Thompson`s perspective is one rooted in the hierarchical structure of the sport and the aspirations of those who have dedicated their careers to climbing the ranks within a specific division.
Speaking recently, Thompson articulated a sentiment likely shared by many of his peers currently positioned near the top of the 170-pound division. “If I was in the top-five, I would be very upset that this guy who just got the title is already looking at somebody from a different division,” Thompson stated, offering a glimpse into the potential frustration simmering amongst the divisional elite. His point is clear: fighters who have invested years battling within the welterweight landscape, building their records, and working their way into title contention, possess a more compelling claim to a championship opportunity than a fighter arriving from a different weight class, regardless of their accolades elsewhere.
Thompson specifically named several high-profile welterweights whom he believes are more deserving candidates for the next title shot. The likes of Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, and even the returning former champion Kamaru Usman (following his recent victory) were highlighted as individuals who “have been there” – meaning they have consistently competed and proven themselves within the welterweight ecosystem. The implication is that their divisional seniority and proven track record at 170 pounds should take precedence over a cross-divisional challenge, especially when the current champion has only just claimed the belt.
This viewpoint underscores a perennial tension within mixed martial arts: the balance between recognizing the hard-fought meritocracy of divisional rankings and the undeniable draw of high-profile “super fights” that transcend weight classes. While a potential clash between lightweight champion Makhachev and welterweight champion Della Maddalena undoubtedly generates significant fan interest and financial incentive, Thompson`s comments serve as a potent reminder of the contenders waiting in the wings, potentially feeling overlooked despite their consistent performance within the division. The irony is perhaps not lost on these athletes; years of dedication to a single weight class could potentially be superseded by a single, highly marketable cross-divisional bout.
Switching gears to the stylistic matchup itself, Thompson offered a technical assessment. He described a potential fight between Makhachev and Della Maddalena as “good” and “very tough” for the lightweight champion. Thompson noted Della Maddalena`s physical advantages, highlighting him as a “bigger guy” with “great takedown defense” and a strong grappling base – qualities recently demonstrated in his title victory over Belal Muhammad. While acknowledging that Makhachev may possess superior striking compared to Muhammad, Thompson ultimately reiterated his view that the stylistic challenge at welterweight presents significant hurdles for the incoming champion, reinforcing the notion that moving up in weight is no trivial undertaking.
In essence, Stephen Thompson`s reaction encapsulates the perspective of the established divisional contender. While the allure of a champion-versus-champion bout is evident, his focus remains firmly on the fighters who have earned their place in the welterweight hierarchy, arguing that their journey and position warrant the primary consideration for the next shot at the title. It`s a pragmatic view from a veteran who understands the long road to championship contention and the potential frustration when the path is complicated by cross-divisional aspirations driven by the sport`s broader commercial interests.
