Stephen Thompson comes from behind to win by first-round KO
Stephen Thompson used his wonderous kicks to stop Jake Ellenberger via KO in the first round of their TUF 21 Finale main event, Sunday. Ellenberger was the first one to do damage with strikes, however, when he made Thompson pay for leaving his hands at his side.
Ellenberger dropped Thompson with punches but "Wonderboy" eventually got back to his feet and began to try and use his size to wrestle Ellenberger against the cage. The savvy wrestler prevented the takedown but the two then exchanged hard strikes in the clinch.
Thompson then landed a lead side kick to the face, followed by a quick takedown from Ellenberger. Thompson immediately reversed positions, however, and took Ellenberger's back and landed punches.
Ellenberger got up and out but then got dropped by a spinning back kick. Ellenberger fought back to his feet but soon ate another spinning kick to the face and fell once more.
The referee let it go on for a second or two too long, and the out-of-it veteran ate another couple shots before the fight was called. The end came at 4:28 of the first round, and gave Thompson his fifth straight victory.
The win is certainly the biggest of the kickboxer's career, as Ellenberger is a long-time top-ten welterweight. Thompson is excited to move onwards and upwards with his MMA career.
"I'm excited," he said.
"And, I'm ready, baby. I'm ready."
The 32-year-old admitted to being hurt by Ellenberger, early, but credited his own resolve and his father and coach's advice for the win. "I felt his punch," he said.
"It was one of those flash knockdowns. I was still coherent...that's what happens when you don't give up, baby."
The win improves Thompson's record to 11-1, overall. Ellenberger's loss drops him to 30-10.
