UFC 143 Results: Stephen Thompson Demolishes Dan Stittgen

What a debut for the Wonder Boy. Stephen Thompson placed a beautiful right kick on the jaw of Dan Stittgen, and put him to sleep.

Thompson has the looks of an elite striker, as his Kenpo Karate background would suggest. Stittgen was a late replacement in this fight, and it showed, as he looked completely unprepared to handle Thompson's striking.

The telling blow was preceded by a quick left-right combo with the hands, but almost immediately followed by the sweeping right kick that had Stittgen out before he hit the mat.

The blow came with 45 seconds remaining in the first round.

Thompson showed he was also a showman, pulling a Shinobi-like twirling flip in the center of the Octagon after the win. The acrobatic move ended in a praying-like dismount that was very reminiscent of "Tebowing" (the praying posture made famous by Denver Broncos QB Tim Tebow).

Thompson thanked Jesus for dying for our sins in his post-fight interview, so it would make sense if that was what he was going for.

Stittgen had a 7-1 record, but his lack of speed, and reflexes, won't get him far in the welterweight division. Thompson, on the other hand, could be launching an exciting run with the UFC. Thompson's career fighting record was 57-0, with 41 KOs, coming into the UFC. 

It's true, this is a different style of fighting, but Thompson showed his striking ability would translate to the highest level of MMA competition. The win ran Thompson's MMA record to 6-0.

It was an awesome display of striking. Thompson has an exciting style; he keeps his hands to his sides, and he uses his front leg like a versatile jab. Stittgen was clearly bewildered by the constant switching of stances. 

I can't wait to see Thompson in action again; the UFC may have a star on their hands.