It seems Stephen Thompson changed his mind.
The former UFC welterweight title challenger posted on Twitter on Tuesday to call out top contender Leon Edwards. If the callout comes as a surprise, it’s because earlier this month, Thompson (15-4-1 MMA, 10-4-1 UFC) said he wasn’t interested in fighting the Englishman.
A fighter known for his respect toward opponents, Thompson issued what he said was the first callout of his UFC career – and he did it in “Wonderboy” style.
“All due respect @Leon_edwardsmma, which I have a lot of for you, I have been saying I would like to fight you for a while now!” Thompson posted. “It makes sense and would be a great match up. I think that was my first Twitter call out ever. man that felt weird. #FirstTimeForEverything”
All due respect @Leon_edwardsmma , which I have a lot of for you, I have been saying I would like to fight you for a while now! It makes sense and would be a great match up.
I think that was my first Twitter call out ever. man that felt weird.
#FirstTimeForEverything
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) September 22, 2020
Thompson most recently fought in November 2019 and beat Vicente Luque in a dominant unanimous decision. The victory snapped a two-fight skid for the 37-year-old.
Edwards in on an eight-fight wining streak. The British fighter is considered among the top talents at 170 pounds, but has had issues getting booked with big-name opposition. Edwards hasn’t fought in more than a year. His most recent fight was in July 2019, when he beat Rafael dos Anjos.