Stephen Thompson from my hometown in Simpsonville, SC is trying out for the TUF 15 and made it to the interview! He was the former number 1 ranked amauter kickboxer in the world and has an undefeated professional kickboxing and mma record. He has also helped train GSP and Rashad Evans. I hope he makes it, he has a ton of potential.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcvATLQtsNw&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SctEwnv63gI&feature=related (:24 mark)
Ttt
The guy is a very dangerous striker. I've seen some of his kickboxing matches on the web. Really smooth striking, a lot of confidence. He's like 50-0 as a Kickboxer.
He's 170. I also heard he tooled gsp standup when they sparred.
SteeledArmand - He's 170. I also heard he tooled gsp standup when they sparred.
That does not at all sound like something Stephen would say; who told you that? 
SC MMA MD -SteeledArmand - He's 170. I also heard he tooled gsp standup when they sparred.That does not at all sound like something Stephen would say; who told you that? <img src="/images/phone/droid.png" alt="Phone Post" border="0" style="vertical-align:middle;"/>
One of my friends who used to train there told me. i don't think Stephen said it though. it was probably someone who saw them spar.
SteeledArmand -SC MMA MD -SteeledArmand - He's 170. I also heard he tooled gsp standup when they sparred.That does not at all sound like something Stephen would say; who told you that? <img src="/images/phone/droid.png" alt="Phone Post" border="0" style="vertical-align:middle;"/>
One of my friends who used to train there told me. i don't think Stephen said it though. it was probably someone who saw them spar.
Stephen is a very gifted striker (which is why Firas and GSP invite him up for camps); but he and the other fighters from Pitch Black do not go around bragging about how good they did when training with other pros, and I can not imagine Stephen saying he tooled a training partner. All I ever hear when the guys get back from visiting someones camp is how hard they trained and how much they learned. I point this out because your friends statement makes Stephen sound like a cocky egomaniac; which he is not
Herring In A Fur Coat -SC MMA MD -SteeledArmand -Stephen is a very gifted striker (which is why Firas and GSP invite him up for camps); but he and the other fighters from Pitch Black do not go around bragging about how good they did when training with other pros, and I can not imagine Stephen saying he tooled a training partner. All I ever hear when the guys get back from visiting someones camp is how hard they trained and how much they learned. I point this out because your friends statement makes Stephen sound like a cocky egomaniac; which he is notSC MMA MD -SteeledArmand - He's 170. I also heard he tooled gsp standup when they sparred.That does not at all sound like something Stephen would say; who told you that? <img src="/images/phone/droid.png" alt="Phone Post" border="0" style="vertical-align:middle;"/>
One of my friends who used to train there told me. i don't think Stephen said it though. it was probably someone who saw them spar.
Your reading comprehension leaves to be desired. He already claimed that it was a third party who observed a sparring session between GSP and Stephen, not Stephen himself.
I know that he said it was third hand information. The group that goes to Tristar (and sees the sparring sessions) is pretty small, so I wanted to point out that I have never heard any of that sort of talk from the guys that would be in a position to actually see these sparring sessions.
Back to the origional topic, it sounds like there were alot of good welterweights at the tryouts; which will hopefully make for a good TUF season. Hopefully Stephen will get a chance to fight his way into the house; we will have to wait and see who got picked after the interviews
We need to know the important answers. Hair dye color? Tribal tattoos? Alcoholism?
epwar - We need to know the important answers. Hair dye color? Tribal tattoos? Alcoholism?
Negative on all counts, nor can I picture him dancing around half naked on a pool table like stripper Ramsey. Lots of people have told him that they think his is not obnoxious enough for the house. I would imagine though that being cooped up like that without outside contact can bring out some interesting behaviors in anyone.
SC MMA MD -He ain't getting into the house now. Undefeated record? Bleh! Dysfunctional family background, green hair and tattoos? You're in, son. ;-)epwar - We need to know the important answers. Hair dye color? Tribal tattoos? Alcoholism?Negative on all counts, nor can I picture him dancing around half naked on a pool table like stripper Ramsey.
I wasn't trying to make him sound cocky. I guess it was just gym talk. But i think if he worked on his takedown defense and BJJ he would have a good chance at being champion.
i've spoken with stephen about his training sessions at black house and montreal, and I can promise you he does not go around bragging about beating anyone up.
the guy is way more classy than that
How do they figure rankings for this one... "number 1 ranked amauter kickboxer in the world" ?
Best of luck to him though.
Justin
MTomlinson - i've spoken with stephen about his training sessions at black house and montreal, and I can promise you he does not go around bragging about beating anyone up.
the guy is way more classy than that
Dude learn to fucking read. I never said he was bragging. Someone could have made it up for all i know.
XFC - How do they figure rankings for this one... "number 1 ranked amauter kickboxer in the world" ?
Best of luck to him though.
Justin
I dont know. I think it was that he was the number one ranked fighter in a kickboxing league by Chuck Norris.
I was talking to anyone that may get the wrong opinion
think only justin 'tank' scoggins and joseph corneroli have gone with him to tristar
justin 'tank' scoggins is possibly one of the best unknown prospects at 135 in the country
Does he train at Pitch Black also?
This is a good highlight of him. Can a bluenamer embed this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=o8eaZswS5mA