The UFC welterweight title picture has hit a bottleneck with Stephen Thompson and Tyron Woodley drawing at UFC 205, but with the rematch set for March 4, a number of contenders are positioning themselves nicely for a shot at the victor once the dust settles.

Relating to Demian Maia

One of the people most aware of this is a man who could end up being the eventual target. 'Wonderboy' is well aware that November's non-result at UFC 205 has led to a blockage at the top of the division and he says he can more than relate to the man waiting patiently in pole position behind him, Demian Maia.

"Oh yeah, definitely man he's going to be feeling frustrated," Thompson said exclusively to FloCombat. "He's a very talented fighter and definitely deserves a title shot, it is what is though.
"We ended up drawing last time and we got to finish things first. After that you know it's go time and he'll probably end up getting a shot."

Excited by Masvidal's rise

Another man who shot in to the title picture following a superb performance at UFC on Fox 23 a few weeks ago was Jorge Masvidal. After watching 'Gamebred' wreak Cerrone in dominating fashion, Thompson is licking his lips at a showdown with him and thinks it could be a good fight to put together in the future.

"Masvidal is an excellent fight with great standup and he did a phenomenal job against Donald Cerrone," Thompson said. "Everyone in the welterweight division top ten, top fifteen are very scary dudes to step into the Octagon with--those are guys I'm looking at as well."

Belts are important, but so is setting an example

While cognizant of the other contenders rapidly closing in behind him, Thompson knows that for the minute his entire focus must be on his March 4showdown with the champion Woodley. Thompson's ambition to be champion is only superseded one thing in life--to be a good role model for his students at Upstate Karate and the young talent making their way up in the sport.

"I want to be known as one of the best fighters in the UFC in the 170 division, but not just a great fighter, but a good man too," Thompson said. "You know, be an example for fighters coming up in the sport or even kids, I'm the head instructor at a school here in Simpsonville and I've got 600 kids watching every step that I make. I want to be a great example for them."

Team Wonderboy heading to Vegas

Despite the fight taking place on the other side of the country, Thompson says his local fans will be descending on Las Vegas in force on March 4. Suffice to say, 'Wonderboy' is hoping to do them proud and bring the belt back home to the east coast.

"Oh definitely man, we got a crew of people from Simpsonville heading up to Vegas and I'm super excited about that," Thompson said.