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#3 Stephen Thompson vs. Vicente Luque (Welterweight)
Wonderboy's intentions were easy to understand. Get a win and rise to his former title contention days. However, Vicente Luque wasn't going to make it easy.
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Round 1: Wonderboy's patented stance countered Luque's orthodox approach from the get-go.
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Luque went for the leg kicks early on. Thompson also loosened up his feet as he connected with the unorthodox front body sidekick. Wonderboy kept connecting with a left and a jab while retreating.
Thompson kept bouncing around, jumped in when needed and connected with a few lefts.
Luque, however, ate a few shots but served up a powerful response. The Silent Assasin tagged Wonderboy with a slick combination. A left hook landed on the jaw and that sent Wonderboy back.
Thompson looked hurt but he survived and created distance again. Luque followed Wonderboy and landed a solid a straight 3-piece combo in the pocket.
Luque was prepared to absorb a few strikes but he pushed forward and managed to connect with combos his own. Vicente had the better round due to more volume.
Round 2: Luque was not holding back as he kept up the pressure.
Wonderboy clipped Luque and effortlessly moved back. The American-Brazilian, however, made no fuss about eating those shots and tried to keep up with the press.
Luque lost his balance for a few seconds due to a sidekick from Wonderboy before getting back on his feet. The Silent Assassin rushed forward but he got caught by an incoming counter strike from Thompson.
Wonderboy went on to open up with a methodical striking display. Right hooks, left jabs and a heel kick kept Luque on the back foot.
To Luque's credit, he took a lot of shots - probably the best in the UFC Welterweight division - and came back with a few notable combinations.
Round 3: Wonderboy continued with his approach of getting in and out. He landed a straight kick to the body.
Luque got rocked with a Wonderboy straight left. The Silent Assassin fell to the mat. Wonderboy went on for the finish but Luque, somehow, survived.
He got stood up and Wonderboy continued with some vintage kickboxing. Kicks to the body, legs and head were just coming from all angles from Thompson.
Luque was having a hard time seeing what was coming at him due to the cut in his eye, however, he wasn't done just yet.
The Assassin connected with a few left-hand shots to send Wonderboy back again. Thompson landed two kicks to the body followed by a 1-2 and a high kick. Wonderboy broke through Luque's guard with straight lefts and right hooks.
Wonderboy went for a hook kick with 20 seconds on the clock. The round ended with a last-ditch attempt for a finish from Vicente.
Result: Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson def. Vicente Luque via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 29-27)
Vintage Wonderboy showed up at the MSG tonight. Thompson proved to one and all that he has moved on from the blip in his career and that he still is one of the best Welterweights in the world.
Wonderboy's striking clinic was complimented by Luque's toughness and willingness to push forward and land strikes of his own.
