Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson’s welterweight title push continued after a big win over Geoff Neal in the main event at UFC on ESPN+ 41.
Thompson, 37, recorded a convincing unanimous decision victory over the previously streaking Neal with all three judges awarding 50-45 scores.
Thompson used his award movement to control the range and land an assortment of strikes, including body shots that frustrated Neal for most of the first three rounds.
Both fighters suffered a cut from an accidental head clash near the end of the first round.
Neal tried to increase the intensity in the championship rounds, but Thompson matched his maneuvers, making sure to respond to Neal’s strikes with one of his own.
Neal, 30, had a seven fight win streak snapped with the loss, while Thompson now has a two fight win streak.
Thompson, Marcin Tybura, Rob Font, and Jimmy Flick all earned performances of the night and a $50,000 USD bonus.
Kenai Andrews checks in with his thoughts on the main card.
In case you missed the prelims:
CHRISTOS GIAGOS DEF. CARLTON MINUS VIA UD (30-26, 29-27, 29-28)
JIMMY FLICK DEF. CODY DURDEN VIA SUBMISSION (FLYING TRIANGLE CHOKE) R1 3:18
TAFON NCHUKWI DEF. JAMIE PICKETT VIA UD (30-25, 30-26, 30-26)
TALIA SANTOS DEF. GILLIAN ROBERTSON VIA UD (30-26, 30-26, 29-28)
DERON WINN DEF. ANTONIO ARROYO VIA UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
PANNIE KIANZAD DEF. SIJARA EUBANKS VIA UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
ANTHONY PETTIS DEF. ALEX MORONO VIA UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
MAIN CARD
MARCIN TYBURA VS. GREG HARDY
🇵🇱 @MarcinTybura FLEXING THE POLISH POWER! The G&P closes it out! #UFCVegas17 pic.twitter.com/WmgYmbNLd4
— UFC (@ufc) December 20, 2020
WINNER: MARCIN TYBURA VIA TKO (PUNCHES) R2 4:31
ANDREWS PREDICTION: MARCIN TYBURA VIA UD
Andrews: Tybura survived the first round and then simply took advantage of a tired Hardy to use the ground game. Hardy had no answer on the ground. Good win for Tybura.
#3 MARLON MORAES VS. #11 ROB FONT
A BLOCKBUSTER FINISH FOR 🍀 @RobSFont! WOW! #UFCVegas17 pic.twitter.com/1fQKKoJ5iA
— UFC (@ufc) December 20, 2020
WINNER: ROB FONT VIA TKO (PUNCHES) R1 4:37
ANDREWS PREDICTION: ROB FONT VIA UD
Andrews: Font used the striking to light up Moraes and finished strong. Excellent win after Moraes was threatening on the ground.
MICHEL PEREIRA VS. KHAOS WILLIAMS
They go the distance! Who would've thought?! 😳
Razor-thin decision coming up – how'd you see it? 📝 #UFCVegas17 pic.twitter.com/2Z0Bgu27QZ
— UFC (@ufc) December 20, 2020
WINNER: MICHEL PEREIRA vIA UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: MICHEL PEREIRA VIA UD
Andrews: Williams
#7 JOSE ALDO VS. #13 MARLON VERA
💢 Blistering pace through 5! #UFCVegas17 pic.twitter.com/Bi92z3qdb0
— UFC (@ufc) December 20, 2020
WINNER: JOSE ALDO VIA UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: MARLON VERA VIA UD
Andrews: Wow. Vintage performance from Aldo.
MAIN EVENT
#5 STEPHEN THOMPSON VS. #11 GEOFF NEAL
🙌 YOU GOT TO LOVE IT. Wonderboy and Neal slinging heat to the very end! #UFCVegas17 pic.twitter.com/1k5pI7dJjN
— UFC (@ufc) December 20, 2020
WINNER: STEPHEN THOMPSON VIA UD (50-45, 50-45, 50-45)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: STEPHEN THOMPSON VIA UD
Andrews: The puzzle that is Stephen Thompson is still a difficult one to solve. Excellent performance for Wonderboy.
The UFC returns in 2021 on Jan. 16 for UFC on ESPN+ 42. In the main event, former featherweight champion Max Holloway takes on Calvin Kattar.
