Rory MacDonald vs Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson overcame a 4-fight experience disadvantage (9 vs 13 fights), earning a reward for beating the more seasoned veteran Rory MacDonald.

This was not a title fight, so both fighters received standard ELO adjustments. However, since ELO is a relative system, victories over former champions can have an indirect impact, and Title Fight ELO can differ from Basic ELO.

Stephen Thompson earned a clear Decision - Unanimous, receiving full decision bonuses for controlling the fight across all rounds. Of course, a finish would have yielded even greater rewards.

Stephen Thompson dominated the striking exchanges with 124 vs 62 total strikes, 110 vs 61 significant strikes. Stephen Thompson capitalized on this striking dominance.

Stephen Thompson slightly outworked Rory MacDonald on the ground with 1:48 of control time, 5 ground strikes, earning modest grappling bonuses.

Stephen Thompson demonstrated solid activity levels with 133 days since his last fight, earning a moderate activity bonus for consistent scheduling. As the winner, Stephen Thompson capitalized on this activity level, while Rory MacDonald's 343-day layoff didn't factor into the scoring since only winners receive activity bonuses.

Stephen Thompson continued building serious momentum with a 7-fight win streak, earning a strong bonus as streak bonuses escalate. Rory MacDonald's now at 0.

This category provides the foundation ELO scoring without bonuses, except for exceptional multiple division champions.