.. After I Beat Gilbert Burns

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.

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.