Thompson believes that victory against Durinho could put him in a welterweight title fight

S.Thompson is ranked fourth at welterweight. Photo/Reproduction: Instagram

Coming off two straight wins, Stephen Thompson is close to winning the UFC welterweight (up to 77kg) belt fight. The North American faces the former challenger Gilbert Durinho in the co-main event of UFC 264, in Las Vegas (USA). Aware that he will exchange forces against a big name in the organization,'Wonderboy' believes he can win and convince, in addition to giving the division champion a lot of work, Kamaru Usman.

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“I know that a good win over Gilbert Burns (Durinho) will put me there against that guy (Kamaru Usman). Everyone wants me to fight him because I'm the only guy who hasn't fought him in the top five. But I have one guy that I'm focused on right now, and that's in three weeks, Gilbert Burns, baby,” Thompson said in an interview with 'Submission Radio'.

Despite showing respect to the Brazilian, Stephen reveals that he is already thinking about a duel against Usman. The American projects an entertaining confrontation and recognizes that the Nigerian is currently at his best.

“I think it would be a bad fight for him. Yes, he is a phenomenal wrestler and now he has knocked out one of the best strikers of the category, Jorge masvidal. So, his striking improved. And that's what makes this fight so fun for me, is knowing that I'm only fighting the best version of Kamaru Usman”, concluded the North American.

Currently, Thompson occupies fourth position in the category ranking. Durinho, in turn, is in second place.