Stephen Thompson has a date and opponent to squeeze in one fight before 2020 ends.
The former two-time UFC welterweight title challenger is targeted to fight rising contender Geoff Neal on Dec. 19 at UFC on ESPN+ 44 in Las Vegas. A person with knowledge of the situation confirmed that the fight has been agreed to following an initial report from UFC broadcast partner ESPN.
Thompson (15-4-1 MMA, 10-4-1 UFC) hasn’t competed since November 2019 when he bounced back from a knockout loss to Anthony Pettis by outpointing Brazil’s Vicente Luque at UFC 244. The 37-year-old is 2-2 since coming up short in a title fight with then champion Tyron Woodley back in 2017.
Meanwhile, Neal (13-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) will also be logging his first fight this year. He was scheduled to fight Neil Magny on Aug. 29 but withdrew because of a life-threatening infection.
Neal last fought in December 2019, stopping Mike Perry in the first round. “Handz of Steel” is unbeaten in his UFC run and currently enjoys a seven-fight winning streak.
Below is the updated line up for UFC on ESPN+ 44:
- Stephen Thompson vs. Geoff Neal
- Antonio Braga Neto vs. Deron Winn
- Belal Muhammad vs. opponent TBA
- Tafon Nchukwi vs. Jamie Pickett
- Rob Font vs. Marlon Moraes
- Rick Glenn vs. Carlton Minus
- Tyson Nam vs. Matt Schnell
- Manel Kape vs. Alexandre Pantoja
