Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Stephen Thompson after UFC on ESPN 42 win?

(ALSO SEE: Sean Shelby’s Shoes: What’s next for Kevin Holland after UFC on ESPN 42 loss?)

Stephen Thompson got a much-needed win Saturday when he outgunned Kevin Holland to emerge from the UFC on ESPN 42 main event with his hand raised.

After being worked over by grapplers en route to losses in his past two outings, Thompson (17-6-1 MMA, 12-6-1 UFC) found an opponent in Holland (23-9 MMA, 9-6 UFC) who was willing to exchange on the feet. That allowed “Wonderboy” to shine, and in the end he got the fourth-round TKO by corner stoppage at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.

Now back on track, what is the most logical move for Thompson? He made a plea to get more strikers as opponents going forward, and after a Fight of the Year contender at 39, that seems like the best direction.

Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Thompson’s future after UFC on ESPN 42.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 42.