Stephen Thompson's beaten Jorge Masvidal and a bunch of other killers in the Octagon, but hasn't fought for a title in over 4 years ... a wait that "Wonderboy" says will soon be coming to an end.
Very, very soon.
TMZ Sports talked to the 38-year-old, #4 ranked UFC welterweight just days before he fights 34-year-old Gilbert Burns at UFC 264 ... and asked if a dub will earn him a title shot.
"I think so. I mean, fighting a guy and beating a guy who just fought for the title. He's the number 2 ranked guy in the division, are you kidding me?! I think that would be great!"
Of course, Burns lost to champion Kamaru Usman back in February ... via a 3rd round TKO.
Wonderboy says he accepts he's at the tail end of his career ... and feels like this is his last chance to become UFC champ.
"I'm 38 years old, I got a small window to kinda do what I wanna do with this and I do it because I love to fight, man."
Wonderboy says he's had big wins -- and some bad losses -- and feels like he doesn't have anything to lose in the Octagon.
"I've been knocked out, I've lost. it's not that bad, bro! It's really not. I can just go out there and fight now, you know, to the best of my ability."
UFC 264 -- headlined by Conor McGregor vs. Dustin Poirier III -- goes down Saturday night in Vegas ... and thousands of crazy fans and big time celebs including Donald Trump, Justin Bieber, Kevin Durant and Dave Chappelle will be in the house.