Stephen Thompson’s zest and zeal for the martial arts came through in one of the best performances of his career.
“Wonderboy” weathered brushes with adversity, kept his head above water and maintained his position as one of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s premier welterweights, as he forced a corner stoppage against Kevin Holland in their UFC on ESPN 42 headliner on Saturday at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Holland (23-9, 10-6 UFC) and his handlers called it a night in between the fourth and fifth rounds.
In a clear contender for “Fight of the Year,” Holland made the first significant move when he staggered the South Carolinian with an overhand right in the first round and followed up with knee strikes and standing elbows.