Thompson returns 13 months after stopping the rise of slugger Vicente Luque at UFC 244, a bout that left him with serious hand injuries that took him out of action for much of 2020.
Neal comes into the fight on a seven-bout winning streak. One year ago, he became the first fighter to knock out Mike Perry with a 90-second stoppage at UFC 245; a serious health scare kept him benched afterward.
Check out the UFC Vegas 17 live blog below.
Round 1: Thompson tries out a couple of kicks at distance, countering with a right when Neal comes back. So far, classic Wonderboy. Neal trying to get around and cut an angle, his hands high on defense. Taking Thompson’s shots and closing in, waiting for his moment. Thompson explodes to keep him off, but Neal unloads a combo before the two-time title challenger can counter. Another charge, and Thompson slips on a high kick. Neal covering up as Thompson jabs and kicks on his advance. Thompson trying to break Neal’s rhythm with quick shots, nails a spinning back kick and peels off. Neal opens a combo with a high kick, but so far, he’s being outworked as Thompson ducks and dodges, sticking left hands as Neal comes forward. Neal misses again on a jab and resets, comtemplating his next move. That’s an invitation for Thompson to go offensive, and Neal finds himself covering up more as combos come his way. Wheel kick nearly clips Neal, who pressures and explodes with a shot. Unfortunately, a clash of heads opens a very bad gash on Thompson’s right eyelid. Blood right away, and ref Marc Goddard pauses the action. Checks on both, and Thompson doesn’t look too bad. Looks like Neal is cut, too. Back at it, and Neal tries to get inside again. Before can, time runs out.
MMA Fighting scores the frame 10-9 for Thompson.
Round 2:
Round 3:
Round 4:
Round 5:
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