'Wonderboy' gunning for Lawler at UFC 201

Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson has a lot riding on the main event at UFC 201 this Saturday.

Thompson, the UFC's top-ranked welterweight, is at the top of a shortlist of contenders to fight the winner of Robbie Lawler and Tyron Woodley's matchup for the division title. In an interview with MMAjunkie on Tuesday, "Wonderboy" said he hopes Lawler successfully defends the belt.

His reasoning is two-fold. First, Lawler's five-fight winning streak and perch atop the food chain make him a desirable opponent. Second, should Woodley dethrone Lawler, especially in a five-round war, then the UFC could be inclined to set up an immediate rematch, thereby significantly delaying Thompson's shot at the belt.

Self-interest aside, Thompson said he still expects Lawler to win, as long as he continues to fight the way he has of late and makes it out of the first round, where he said Woodley is at his most dangerous.

Thompson will continue his analysis on Saturday when he works the FOX desk at UFC 201.