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Stephen Thompson still not paid for UFC 291 but remains positive: 'I feel like they're going to do right by me'

Stephen Thompson’s situation regarding his pay for UFC 291 remains the same, but he’s confident that will soon change.

This past Saturday at UFC 291, Thompson was scheduled to make his return against Brazil’s Michel Pereira, but the fight was canceled the day before after Pereira (28-11 MMA, 6-2 UFC) failed to make the welterweight limit by three pounds. It was Thompson (17-6-1 MMA, 12-6-1 UFC) who chose not to fight Pereira at a catchweight.

Yet, despite having competed an entire training camp, gone through his fight week obligations, and making weight on Friday morning, Thompson didn’t receive any compensation. A few days removed, Thompson confirmed to Ariel Helwani that’s still the case, but he believes the UFC will recognize his efforts.

“At this point, my management is talking to the UFC, (but) nothing yet (compensation wise),” Thompson said Monday on “The MMA Hour.” “I know Dana White is on vacation. The guy is a workaholic, so well deserved, but I feel like the UFC is going to do right by me. I’ve done everything that I’m supposed to do, and I tried to be as honorable as possible when it comes down to signing my contract and abiding by it.

“I’ve done what they wanted of me, and I feel like they’re going to do right by me. Things are still in talks. I think they’re waiting for Dana White to come back from his vacation, and we’ll go from there.”

Thompson is staying positive that the UFC will come through with the money. He also revealed how extensive his training camp was, which involved contracting five coaches and a nutritionist.

“Wonderboy” said he would be disappointed if the UFC didn’t pay him.

“One hundred percent, I’ll be disappointed,” Thompson said. “Who wouldn’t be? When you show up, and you’re on point, and you have done nothing wrong and your opponent has, it would just really stink if that was the case. But me being the positive guy that I am, I feel like they’re going to do right by me, and that’s why I’m still smiling right now.”

As far as what’s next for Thompson, he’s itching to fight after he missed out on the opportunity this past weekend. He wants to fight Nov. 11 at UFC 295, but he’s not down to get matched up against Pereira given his inability to make weight.

“I already gave him the opportunity,” Thompson said.  I gave you the shot. I gave you the chance to beat a veteran out here. I hate saying that, but to prove yourself to the UFC that you deserve to take the spot and move up the rankings, and now you showed me that you don’t deserve this.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 291.



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