An exciting main event between Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and a very heavy-handed Geoff Neal transpired at UFC Vegas 17 on Saturday — and what a way to send us into 2021. While 2020 wasn’t fantastic outside of the cage, it at least provided some fond memories of what was a great year of fight cards, despite being a year that was themed with the ups and downs that COVID brought us.
Both men took center stage in a main event that had a special feel to it, as it was the last UFC event of the year. For Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Geoff Neal, it was a opportunity to further their chances of moving one step closer to title contention. In Thompson’s case, to return to contention, and in Neal’s, to break through for the first time.
A Classic Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson Performance
The UFC Vegas 17 main event saw a classic Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson performance. With plenty of striking and movement while not slowing down, Thompson was crisp and technical with his attacks, not letting Geoff Neal get comfortable before he was on his bike, getting out of the little danger Neal gave him. Even in the final round with a compromised leg, Thompson’s movement was still there and his stick-and-move strategy was a problem for a hungry Geoff Neal who was way behind on the score cards late in the fight. After back-to-back impressive victories, an opportunity for Wonderboy to get his third shot at a UFC title isn’t out of the question.
Check below to see how the pros reacted to the final UFC main event of the year between Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Geoff “Handz of Steel” Neal.
Man what a fight! @handzofsteelmma you are one tough guy and it was an honor to share the octagon with you. Tough as nails and next level boxing. No doubt you’ll rise to the top. I want to thank God, my family, coaches, and the @ufc for makin it all happen! #UFC #ThompsonVSNeal pic.twitter.com/2uT08D6aoy
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) December 20, 2020
2021 #UnfinishedBusiness
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) December 20, 2020
Masterful
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) December 20, 2020
Wow!! What a fight! Let's go @WonderboyMMA!!
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) December 20, 2020
Woooow Standing round of applause please! #UFCVegas17
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) December 20, 2020
Thompson, on a compromised leg when his whole style depends on movement, is still throwing with bad intentions. Offense as defense, brilliant! #UFCVegas17
— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) December 20, 2020
Those burps haha!
— The Golden Boy (@edmenshahbazyan) December 20, 2020
WONDERBOY!!! #UFCVegas17
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 20, 2020
Wonderboy is efficient & tough to hit ! #UFCVegas17
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) December 20, 2020
Great fight for Wonderboy. He’s just awesome to watch. #UFCVegas17
— Tanner Boser (@BulldozerBoser) December 20, 2020
This dynamic display of striking by @WonderboyMMA is amazing #ufcvegas17
— Charles Rosa (@CharlesRosaMMA) December 20, 2020
Great main event Both guys class acts I can’t wait to get back to work next year InshAllah
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) December 20, 2020
Just cleared even more how tough @VicenteLuqueMMA is!
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) December 20, 2020
Congrats @wonderboymma
Another win in the books 📚 pic.twitter.com/kfqJBf5HOF— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) December 20, 2020
Badass fight gentlemen @handzofsteelmma v @WonderboyMMA
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) December 20, 2020
A lot of output #UFCVegas17 pic.twitter.com/qYJbSz5tsN
— Niko Price (@Nikohybridprice) December 20, 2020