Breaking: Stephen Thompson returns to action against Michel Pereira at UFC 289

Stephen Thompson's return to the octagon will come against Michel Pereira in a bout between ranked welterweights. The bout will take place at UFC 289, according to MMA Junkie, who tweeted:

"#UFC289 targets the addition of a welterweight banger between Michel Pereira and Stephen Thompson. 😳"

Check out the announcement from MMA Junkie below:

Stephen Thompson teased the announcement last week as he tweeted:

"Fight news coming soon!! Excited for this one! 🥋💥 💪🏼"

Check out Stephen Thompson's tweet below:

Michel Pereira went one step further, revealing the matchup on Instagram, stating:

"I'm really looking forward to it, it's going to be so much fun! @wonderboymma @ufc @seanshelby @ufc_brasil @espn"

Check out Michel Pereira's Instagram post below:

Thompson has not entered the octagon since December of last year. He was able to pick up a victory over Kevin Holland in a bout that was wildly entertaining before the latter broke his hand. The No.7-ranked welterweight has a professional mixed martial arts record of 17 wins, six losses, and one draw. 'Wonderboy' has eight knockout victories, one submission victory, and eight decision victories. He has never been submitted, however, he has one loss via knockout and five losses via decision.

Pereira will have been away from the octagon for more than year by the time UFC 289 rolls around. The No.15-ranked welterweight last fought in May 2022 defeating Santiago Ponzinibbio to extend his win-streak to five. He was scheduled to face Sean Brady at UFC San Antonio, however, his opponent was forced to withdraw with a pulled groin.

'Demolidor' has a professional mixed martial arts record of 28 wins, 11 losses, and two no contests. He has 10 knockout victories, seven submission victories, and 11 decision victories. Pereira has eight losses via decision and one loss via knockout, submission, and disqualification.

It is unclear where UFC 289 will take place as nothing has been official. Rumors have suggested that the card could take place in Canada. UFC 289 is scheduled for June 10th.

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Stephen Thompson's return: 'Wonderboy' shares he is looking to take multiple fights this year

Stephen Thompson took just one fight in 2022, facing Kevin Holland in one of the last cards of the year. The former welterweight title challenger recently revealed that he is hoping that is not the case in 2023. Responding to a fan that suggested he face No.14-ranked welterweight Jack Della Maddalena at International Fight Week, 'Wonderboy' stated:

"Before IFW! I want to fight a few times this year Lord willing"

Check out Stephen Thompson's tweet below:

Thompson will face Michel Pereira in June, meaning that he would have six months to re-enter the octagon. If he is able to defeat the No.15-ranked welterweight, he would likely hope to make one final title push before calling it quits on a legendary career.