Yardbarker
x

Stephen Thompson Reveals If He's Been Paid For UFC 291 Weigh-in Fiasco

Originally posted on FanNation MMA Knockout
By Fernando Quiles Jr.  |  Last updated 7/31/23

Stephen Thompson was at the center of attention during the UFC 291 weigh-ins despite doing nothing wrong.

"Wonderboy" was scheduled to meet Michel Pereira on the main card of UFC 291. Thompson made weight for the welterweight clash, but the same could not be said for his planned opponent, Pereira. Michel clocked in at 174 pounds, which is three pounds over the welterweight limit for a non-title fight.

During the weigh-ins, UFC play-by-play ace Jon Anik announced a decision on Thompson vs. Pereira had not been made. Several hours later, it was announced just before the ceremonial weigh-ins that the fight was off. Stephen Thompson issued a statement, revealing he wouldn't take the fight due to Pereira's inability to make the contracted weight.

It was then reported by Mike Bohn of MMAJunkie that "Wonderboy" hadn't received his show money. Thompson clarified the situation to Ariel Helwani during an appearance on "The MMA Hour."

"At this point, my management will be talking with the UFC," Thompson said. "Nothing yet. I know Dana White's on vacation. That guy's a workaholic, so well deserved, but I feel like the UFC is gonna do right by me. I've done everything that I'm supposed to do, and I've tried to be as honorable as possible when it comes to signing my contracts and abiding by it and doing what the UFC has said. I've done what the UFC has said, and I've done what they've wanted of me and I feel like they're gonna do right by me."

Thompson went on to say that he thinks the UFC is waiting for Dana White to return from his vacation. The promotional boss was enjoying some downtime during the UFC 291 event.

Helwani asked Thompson if he'd be disappointed if he ultimately doesn't get his compensation for making the weight. "Wonderboy's" answer was clear.

"One hundred percent," Thompson said.

If you use any quotes from this article, please leave an H/T to MMAKnockout.com for the transcription.

This article first appeared on FanNation MMA Knockout and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

+

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.