OTTAWA - Stephen Thompson has battled his way to the number two ranking in the UFC's welterweight division and believes that a victory over Canadian Rory MacDonald in the main event of UFC Ottawa will be what it takes to finally earn him a long awaited shot at the title.

"I haven't heard anything yet but win or lose, me or Rory they have to give it to us," said Thompson. "I understand that he fought for the title back in July but he's been on top of the game for a long time. With a good win over Rory, they have to give it to me too, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed."

Thompson enters the fight on an impressive six-fight win streak that has included victories over some of the best welterweights the UFC has to offer - Canadian Patrick Cote, Jake Ellenberger and former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks. Both Ellenberger and Hendricks failed to escape even the first round against Thompson.

With a six-pack of impressive victories in his back pocket, the 33-year-old believes MacDonald will be his toughest challenge yet.

"He's the best, well-rounded fighter that I've faced so far, he's got good technical striking, good wrestling, fairly similar to Georges St-Pierre and phenomenal Jiu-Jitsu so my goal is to keep it standing on my feet, I would not want to go down to the ground with this guy," said Thompson. "He's the number one contender and for a good reason, he's a good fighter."

Thompson has a lot of respect for MacDonald, a fighter that he's shared the Tristar gym with in the past while working with St-Pierre and though he's looking for the victory, he is not shying away from the friendship the fighters share.

"I want everyone to know we're buds, I've known him for a very long time though it's been years since I've been up to Tristar," said Thompson. "We have a good relationship, I've done some drilling with him, though we've never sparred, but I'm a totally different fighter than I was then and I think they know that."

Thompson is a well liked and respected fighter by fans across the UFC, but he understands that fighting in Ottawa against a Canadian might make him unpopular on fight night.

"I love Canada and I've spent a lot of time in Canada," said Thompson. "I understand that when I walk out there they're probably going to be booing me, but I'm out there fighting the best guys in the world and what better guy than Rory MacDonald?

"It doesn't matter, I've fought in many people's backyards and this is definitely his, but we are going to go out and have some fun Saturday night."

As for the man that will be standing across from him when the referee calls the start to the main event action, Thompson expects to see nothing but his opponent at the top of his game.

"I'm prepared for the best Rory, especially after a loss," Thompson explained. "I didn't become the fighter I am until after my loss to Matt Brown, so mentally I want to be prepared for the best.

"If I'm thinking he may not be the same after that fight with Robbie Lawler I don't want to think that. I'm ready to face the toughest Rory MacDonald on Saturday."