The hierarchy of divisions can stay rigid at times. In others, they change in an instant. When Stephen Thompson bested former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks inside four minutes into the the first round of their UFC Fight Night 82 clash last month, the victory had a disruptive effect.
Was Tyron Woodley still the top contender? How was Thompson able to stop Hendricks in less than one round when champion Robbie Lawler couldn't do it in 10? Where does this leave other top contenders?
The process of resorting is already in full swing, however, and Thompson is set to faceRory MacDonald in June at UFC Fight Night 89. It's arguably the most important fight of his career, but as Thompson sees it, it's not clear why he didn't get a title shot.
"After beating Johny Hendricks, the No. 2-ranked guy before and former welterweight champion. Some even say that his last fight was controversial with Robbie Lawler. I definitely wanted that fight. I know Rory MacDonald fought him last July, actually fought him the day before I fought Ellenberger, and ended up losing," he said on Monday's The MMA Hour.
"I thought they would give the new guy a shot. That's the fight I wanted and still want, but sometimes it doesn't go your way."
What lingers for Thompson is the prize beyond the prize: a UFC title shot. He simply can't shake it's allure and doesn't pretend to. He also believes with his resume adding MacDonald to his own victory column, they'll be left with no choice, but to award him what he wants.
"If they don't give it to me, there's something wrong," he argued. "I'm going to be pushing like crazy. I'm not the type of guy to really sit out and wait for anything, but I'm the no. 1 contender. They have to give it to me. I don't know why they wouldn't at that point.
"I know I can put on a good show and I know I can beat Robbie Lawler. I know I can be the welterweight champion."
LINK: Stephen Thompson: 'There's something wrong' if I beat Rory MacDonald and don't get title shot
