Pros react after Stephen Thompson defeats Geoff Neal at UFC Vegas 17

A key welterweight bout between perennial division contenders Stephen Thompson and Geoff Neal headlined tonight’s UFC Vegas 17 event.

Thompson (15-4-1 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since UFC 244 in November of 2019, where he earned a unanimous decision victory over Vicente Luque. Prior that win, ‘Wonderboy’ was coming off the first knockout loss of his career thanks to a superman punch from Anthony Pettis.

Meanwhile, Geoff Neal (15-40-1 MMA) had entered tonight’s bout with Stephen Thompson on a seven-fight win streak, his latest being a TKO victory over Mike Perry at UFC 245. ‘Handz of Steel’ had gone 5-0 inside of the Octagon since making his promotional debut in February of 2018.

Tonight’s UFC Vegas 17 main event proved to be a twenty-five minute war. With that said, the battle was definitely won by Stephen Thompson. ‘Wonderboy’ battered Geoff Neal in the stand-up for the better parts of five rounds on route to a unanimous decision victory.

Official UFC Vegas 17 Result: Stephen Thompson def. Geoff Neal by unanimous decision (50-45 x3)

Check out how the pros reacted to Thompson defeating Neal below:

This main events gonna be a fun one!! #UFCVegas17

— The Golden Boy (@edmenshahbazyan) December 20, 2020

Neal. I have respect for both but ima go Neal. https://t.co/eUyi4VRRzB

— Niko Price (@Nikohybridprice) December 20, 2020

Let’s go Wonderboy!!! #UFCVegas17

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 20, 2020

Wonder boy footwork is looking extra crispy 👊🔥 #UFCVegas17

— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) December 20, 2020

Fuuuuuu*k! Terrible spot for a cut. Smfh

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 20, 2020

Fighting Wonderboy is like fighting a ghost! He’s never there to be hit cleanly! #UFCVegas17

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 20, 2020

Wonder boy is such a nice guy he doesn’t wanna hit him of the cut on his eye #ufcvegas17

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) December 20, 2020

When @WonderboyMMA in his groove, I’m not sure there’s a better striker in the game. His footwork, angles, counters, stance switches etc are so much to deal with. A lot of great fighters out there but very few if any can do what Stephen does.

— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) December 20, 2020

I love watching wonder boy, him in a small cage is even better. 🙌🏽

— Brandon (@brandonroyval) December 20, 2020

Badass fight gentlemen @handzofsteelmma v @WonderboyMMA

— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) December 20, 2020

Wonderboy is a gangster!! Bit down on his gum shield and went to war when called upon due to his injured leg. . Massive respect #UFCVegas17

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) December 20, 2020

Thompson, on a compromised leg when his whole style depends on movement, is still throwing with bad intentions. Offense as defense, brilliant! #UFCVegas17

— Michael Chandler (@MikeChandlerMMA) December 20, 2020

Masterful

— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) December 20, 2020

Woooow Standing round of applause please! #UFCVegas17

— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) December 20, 2020

Who would you like to see Stephen Thompson fight next following his decision over Geoff Neal this evening in Las Vegas? Share your thoughts in the comments section PENN Nation!

December 19, 2020