Report: Till vs. ‘Wonderboy’ Not a Done Deal, According to Thompson’s Coach

While UFC President Dana White wants to book Darren Till vs. Stephen Thompson, the potential pairing is far from a done deal.

According to a report from MMAFighting.com, Thompson’s father and coach, Ray Thompson, says that “Wonderboy” could have two broken thumbs or ligament damage from his fight against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 217 this past Saturday. The welterweight fighter is expected to see a doctor on Thursday to determine the extent of his injuries.

“We’ve talked to no one [about fighting Till],” Ray Thompson told MMAFighting. “Not sure how this is a ‘done deal.’ As for Till, he needs to fight through the murderers row at welterweight like ‘Wonderboy’ did to get to the top.”

On Tuesday, Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times reported that White was planning to move the UFC card scheduled for Feb. 24 in Orlando to England to accommodate a Till vs. Thompson pairing. Pugmire has since clarified that report, and it appears that White is simply removing Till from a planned appearance on the UFC card in Orlando in hopes of having him compete on an as yet to be announced card in Liverpool.

White said he's pulling Till from the 2/24 Orlando card and moving him in bout against @WonderboyMMA in Till's "hometown."

— Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) November 8, 2017

While there's a March 17 Fight Night card in London, White specified Till would fight in his hometown, Liverpool.

— Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) November 8, 2017

Here was White's quote: "So what you do is, I literally switch my whole schedule. I’m laying [stuff] out here I shouldn’t be talking about.

— Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) November 8, 2017

.... We’re supposed to do this fight in Orlando. I’m pulling it from Orlando and I’m moving it out to his hometown in England."

— Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) November 8, 2017

White later said he has a staff meeting today to hammer out the details of several fights, including @darrentill2 vs. @WonderboyMMA

— Lance Pugmire (@latimespugmire) November 8, 2017

Neither Till nor Thompson has been approached regarding a possible bout yet, according to the report.

Ray Thompson told MMAFighting that “Wonderboy” has been seeking a showdown with Robbie Lawler but has not gotten a response. Lawler is scheduled to face Rafael dos Anjos in December.