Stephen Thompson gives updates on injury and resulting surgery

Shortly after his competitive UFC 209 loss to reigning welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, we learned that Stephen Thompson had sustained an injury to his MCL. In an interview with BJPENN.COM’s Chris Taylor, Thompson clarified that, while his MCL was indeed injured, it would not require surgery. He would, however, require surgery for an injured meniscus.

“It was the MCL, but the doctors said that injury would heal on its own,” Thompson told Taylor. “I have surgery tomorrow on my right knee. It is nothing too serious, just a torn meniscus.”

That meniscus surgery is now in the rear-view. In a Tuesday morning video posted to his social media accounts, a very-medicated Thompson assured that the surgery was a resounding success.

https://www.facebook.com/325284750708/videos/10154858566720709/

“Everything went good, yay!” a loopy Thompson said after a short, nearly indecipherable update on the surgery. 

A successful surgery, of course, means that Thompson will be able to return to training in the not too distant future – something he told Taylor he was excited for.

“I am excited to get back to training,” the recent title challenger said. 

In his talk with Taylor, Thompson also weighed in on the options for his next fight. Though the two-time welterweight title challenger has seen the recent discussions about a fight between him and Gunnar Nelson, he assured this would probably not be his next challenge. Instead, he suggested he’s likely to face one of two former champions: Robbie Lawler or Carlos Condit.

“[Gunnar and I] will probably face each other one day but right now I have my sights set on Carlos Condit or Robbie Lawler.”

Who do you want to see Stephen Thompson fight when he’s healed up and ready to return to the cage? Make your opinions heard in the comments section! Sound off, PENN Nation!

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 3/21/2017.