There's actually a pretty fine line between getting a UFC title shot and having to face a young, hungry contender in his own backyard.
Just ask Stephen Thompson.
Based solely on rankings, Thompson (14-2-1) is at the front of the line to challenge UFC welterweight champ Tyron Woodley. Both UFC and ESPN have him ranked No. 2, amongst welterweights signed to the promotion.
The problem for Thompson, however, is he's already fought Woodley. Twice. They fought to a majority draw in November 2016, and a majority decision win for Woodley four months later -- in what proved to be a very slow, widely criticized rematch.
So instead of fighting for a UFC championship on Sunday, Thompson will face 25-year-old Darren Till in his hometown of Liverpool, England. The UFC is so high on Till, it moved this UFC Fight Night event from its original location in Ireland.
"I really don't think about it," said Thompson, when asked if he has a lot to lose this weekend. "I know it's kind of hard situation because, sure, if I do lose, then I've lost my No. 1 spot. And if Tyron keeps winning, I'll probably have to win one or two more fights to get another title shot.
"But I'm in this game to test myself against the world's best. I'm 35, but I consider myself a young 35. I've got time. Right now, I'm along for the ride."
Thompson, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, shot up the ranks between 2014 and 2016, based heavily on his ability to finish. During that timeframe, he scored first-round knockouts over the likes of Robert Whittaker, Jake Ellenberger and Johny Hendricks.
His last three fights, however -- the two title fights against Woodley, and a decision win against Jorge Masvidal in November -- have not produced the same early fireworks. Thompson believes his opponents are beginning to adapt to his karate-based style, but is constantly working on evolving.
And as far as this weekend goes, he's believes Till will want to come forward, as he did in a first-round knockout over Donald Cerrone in October.
"I don't think Tyron or Masvidal were as aggressive as they usually are, and that has to do with my style," Thompson said. "They feel a little threatened, like they are going to move into something, which is OK. If they aren't coming in, they're going to stay out -- and I'll pick them apart.
"Darren Till is fighting in front of his hometown though. He's confident and likes to come forward. He's said he'll finish me in the second round, so I'm expecting him to come forward."
This 170-pound matchup may have happened sooner, had Thompson not been dealing with a pair of thumb injuries earlier this year. He also wanted clarity on the welterweight title picture. The UFC ultimately booked an interim title fight between Rafael dos Anjos and Colby Covington for UFC 225 on June 1.
Thompson admits he wanted the opportunity to fight for the interim title, but he did use this Till matchup as means to sign a new deal with the UFC. He's already ranked exactly where he wants to be. Right now, that doesn't mean a title shot. But eventually, it has to.
"If I go out and put on a good show and beat Darren Till, then I'm still the No. 1 contender," Thompson said. "Right now, it's like, 'Hey, go out and solidify that No. 1 spot so they have to give it to me.'"