UFC Fight Night 89 results: Stephen Thompson defeats Rory MacDonald by unanimous decision, asks for winner of Robbie Lawler vs. Tyron Woodley

It looks like Stephen Thompson (13-1) will be next in line for a shot at the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight title.

Thompson defeated Rory MacDonald (18-4) by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 89 earlier tonight (Sat. June 18, 2016) inside TD Place Arena in Ottawa, Canada.

Two judges scored the bout 50-45 in favor of Thompson, with the third scoring the contest 48-47.

Thompson, 33, proved to be the superior striker over the course of 25 minutes and was just a step ahead of MacDonald in all five rounds. The former title contender showed heart as he always does, but he just couldn't implement any successful offensive attacks.

"Title belt baby. Title belt. I want the winner of Robbie Lawler and Tyron Woodley baby," Thompson told Jon Anik after the fight's conclusion.

MacDonald began the bout diving into an Imanari roll to attempt a heel hook submission, but Thompson was able to avoid it. Both fighters were tentative and reserved in their offensive approach on the feet. With under a minute remaining, Thompson landed a side kick and MacDonald landed a few punches inside before clinching up with "Wonderboy."

The second round was very similar to the first with MacDonald looked to close distance while Thompson was searching for openings to attack. "The Red King" shot in on a single, but could not land it. Thompson landed several side kicks to the body of the Canadian, but could not string together any combinations.

MacDonald clinched up with Thompson in the third and dropped into guard along the fence, looking for a possible submission attempt, but could not capitalize and Thompson got out of harm's way. MacDonald was able to land a few punches--more than the previous two rounds--and Thompson continued to move in and out from the outside picking his shots from there.

Thompson continued darting in and out in the fourth and also switched stances while being the more successful striker in the exchanges, landing more side kicks and also some well-timed counter punches. He remained a step ahead of MacDonald throughout the round.

MacDonald pressed the action in the final round and aggressively came forward at Thompson, but "Wonderboy" made him pay with several big punches, which bloodied his nose. MacDonald pushed forward and attempted a takedown, but ended up on the bottom of Thompson. The Canadian made it back to his feet, but he began to eat some more big shots from Thompson. He continued to attack until the end of the round,

A huge win and outstanding performance for Thompson, who has likely locked up a shot at the winner of Lawler vs. Woodley, which is slated for UFC 201 on July 30, 2016. The South Carolina native has now won seven in a row and improves to 8-1 in UFC. His last loss was to Matt Brown at UFC 145 in April of 2012.

Disappointing loss for MacDonald, 26, who was ranked No.1 in the welterweight division heading into the bout and looking to rebound from a technical knockout loss to current champion, Lawler at UFC 189 last July. He has now lost two in a row and falls to 8-4 in UFC competition.

For complete UFC Fight NIght 89 "MacDonald vs. Thompson" results, including play-by-play updates, click here.