Former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis is richer thanks to Stephen Thompson.
‘Showtime’, who currently competes for the Professional Fighters League, bet ‘Wonderboy’ to beat Kevin Holland at UFC Orlando on Saturday night and wins $8,500 as a result.
Thompson and Holland will be feeling a little sore Sunday morning after their 20-minute Fight of the Year contestant, but they’ll be happier knowing they gave the fans a real treat.
Holland’s chin won praise for the punches he absorbed from his 39-year-old opponent until his corner canceled it out after four rounds, revealing he had broken three knuckles in his hand.
And while Pettis, who beat Thompson in a UFC welterweight bout in 2019, celebrated his wins, Thompson and Holland are both $50,000 better off, with the main event easily earning the Fight of the Night bonus. .
“Karate, baby!” Thompson said as they exited the arena.
“Don’t take it away from those kung fu guys because they’re tough, but karate won. And I’m hurting all over right now.
And, while Holland was taken to hospital for his hand injury, Thompson had his face stitched up backstage.
It was a sign of Holland’s toughness, something Thompson later appreciated.
Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman was on hand to film his pal’s repair and was in high spirits as medical staff stopped bleeding from deep cuts.
Looking on was his dad, Ray joked, “For an old man, he was doing fine!”
Once back up, Thompson thanked his fans for the support and Holland for the fight.
“I’m a little stoned but I feel good.”