UFC 143: Stephen Thompson Replaces Mike Stumpf, Meets Justin Edwards
It looks like the 2012 World MMA Scouting Report is off to a great start this year, and it's only getting better. After Max Holloway and Andrey Koreshkov signed on the dotted line with the UFC and Bellator respectively, it looks like the UFC has eyed another Scouting Report prospect to fill holes created by injuries.
According to the UFC's official Twitter account, #10-ranked welterweight Stephen Thompson will replace an injured Mike Stumpf at UFC 143. He'll face The Ultimate Fighter season 13 contestant Justin Edwards:
Don't know who Stephen Thompson is? We got you covered. Per the 2012 World MMA Scouting Report:
Luckily, 28-year-old Stephen Thompson (5-0) is well-versed on the ground, earning a Jiu-Jitsu black belt from his brother-in-law, none other than legendary grappler Carlos Machado. If that weren't enough, his thirty-two knockouts on the amateur kickboxing circuit and #1 ranking during his days in the World Combat League suggest he was a prodigy talent in the striking arts at a young age. Add twenty-four years of experience and a bevy of world-class training partners such as Georges St. Pierre and Rashad Evans to the mix, and you've got a fighter with loads of potential.
Edwards is considered more of a grappler than a striker, and it's almost a certainty that he'll attempt to bring this fight to the ground to avoid Thompson's heralded striking skills. The intrigue lies in what Thompson can truly offer on the ground against a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. We'll find out at UFC 143 on February 4.
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Justin Edwards a grappler?
Not judging from his last fight. He almost knocked Maguire out in the first part of the match, then couldn’t defend Maguire being on his back for huge stretches of the fight. His record belies his strengths, which is power (almost all of his subs are guillotines) and solid striking. I think he’s in trouble here. And I like Justin.
He’s more grappling-centric, but has tried to strike against guys he thinks he can handle. In this case, he’d be a moron to think that.
Staff Writer, BloodyElbow.com
Follow @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jan 10, 2012 9:12 PM EST up reply actions
As Frank Mir might say,
“Would he be a moron to go into this fight looking to grapple? Yes. Would he be the first fighter to place pride over strategy? No.”
My name isn't Todd.
Unless they've moved the date to a Thursday,
UFC 143 is still on Saturday, February 4th; the day before the Super Bowl
Just a typo.
Staff Writer, BloodyElbow.com
Follow @lelandroling
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I’m not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
by Leland Roling on Jan 10, 2012 9:13 PM EST up reply actions
So happy to hear this.
I have only met wonderboy in passing but I know several people who have children that train at his school and they have nothing but nice things to say about him. I saw his first two pro fights in person and he could be a beast. My old boss has a son that trains under him and his little sister had given Stephen a silly band bracelet earlier in the week. After his 2nd pro fight he stopped to talk to her on his way to the back and showed her he had the silly band on under his glove. Classy guy.

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