“Wonderboy” could prove to be a dominant champion.

Making bold statements are the name of the game in the world of mixed martial arts. Whether it’s an athlete’s shocking performance, a fighter’s cocky statement, or an organization’s drastic new policies, MMA has always been about surprising and shocking moments. It’s the reason so many people love the sport, why I love the sport. It’s bold statements that get people talking and I’m one for causing some heated debate especially where this pugilistic sport is concerned. Champions are born and bred everyday, built to be the king of whatever endeavor they choose to take on. From football to basketball, from becoming a layer or an accountant, people are all groomed from a young age to, hopefully, grasp hold of greatness. It’s for that exact reason that Stephen Thompson will one day become the UFC welterweight champion. That’s right, I said it. “Wonderboy” is a fighter than many people have on their radar. A man with a base in karate whose striking credentials should put fear into any opponent. Stephen Thompson amassed a 57-0 kickboxing record when he was competing in that particular combat sport and has looked the part of a striking wizard ever since entering the UFC’s welterweight ranks. Maybe I’m a bit biased due to my own background in traditional martial arts, but Thompson has a style that many people would find difficult to deal with. Though he suffered a loss against the always tough Matt Brown, Thompson has been proving his case for the number one contender spot ever since. So why exactly is Thompson destined to be the welterweight champ? Well, they say that the sign of a true champion is one who can comeback from adversity and still achieve greatness. It’s the approach that Thompson seems to be taking. Currently riding a five fight winning streak, three of those by knock out, Thompson is showing that he’s not only hungry and eager to compete, but that he wishes to be the absolute best in his division. His traditional karate style has left many opponents bewildered and needing some smelling salts to regain consciousness. His wrestling and ground game, once nonexistent, has become an actually weapon in the cage thanks to some high level training with Chris Weidman. But perhaps Thompson’s biggest weapon in his repertoire is his insistence on being humble. Thompson has great confidence in his skills, but it hasn’t gotten to his head. He does his talking in the cage claiming the scalps of some of MMA’s most talented competitors including Robert Whittaker, Patrick Cote, and Jake Ellenberger, the last of which was by devastating spinning hook kick knock out. And even after all that, Thompson has kept hold of his humility as he steadily climbs higher up the welterweight food chain. With opponents like Tyron Woodley, Rory McDonald, Carlos Condit, old rival Matt Brown, and UFC Welterweight champion Robbie Lawler all waiting for Thompson in the upper ranks of the division, the karateka from South Carolina has his work cut out for him. But with his difficult and confounding striking style coupled with his new found grappling abilities, all signs are pointing to “Wonderboy” being an eventual title challenger down the road. Do you think Stephen Thompson has what it takes to become champion? Let us know what you think in the comments and forums. Also, be sure to follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter. Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor and geek culture enthusiast. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with his latest exploits.