Stephen Thompson will be a keen spectator when Tyron Woodley defends the UFC welterweight title to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235. Having lost to Woodley twice previously, Thompson will be rooting for Usman on March 2nd. As he told Ariel on The Ariel Helwani Show (as transcribed by BJPenn.com).

“For my career-wise, I would want Kamaru Usman to win. But man, Tyron is just another animal. He’s another animal. His wrestling… Is very good. I think better than any of the guys that Usman has faced. I believe that Tyron’s striking is, he’s very explosive. They’re both gonna have their hands full. But for my career, yeah I would definitely want Usman to win.”

‘Wonderboy’ may be pitted against a striker in his next fight, against Anthony Pettis, he is excited to test his skills against the high level wrestlers in the welterweight division.

“The top 10, top 5 is just screaming with high level wrestlers. Which is exciting for me because I gotta stay on my game, I gotta keep evolving, keep getting better at that.”

Thompson vs Pettis headlines UFC Nashville on March 23rd.

See also:

Anthony Pettis Explains His Move Up To Welterweight