Overview
- Thompson confirmed on Aug. 11–12 that he has one fight left on his UFC contract and is targeting Nov. 14 at Madison Square Garden for that bout.
- He said he and his team are negotiating with the UFC while they scan the welterweight roster for a striker who can deliver a fan-friendly 'barnburner.'
- No opponent has been signed and Thompson specifically ruled out Santiago Ponzinibbio after Ponzinibbio suffered a recent knockout loss.
- At 43 and coming off three straight losses to Gabriel Bonfim, Joaquin Buckley and Shavkat Rakhmonov, Thompson's age and current ranking limit obvious matchup choices.
- A successful MSG booking would give a long-tenured, popular striker a high-profile send-off and could influence matchmaking and slotting in the crowded 170-pound division.