I call BS.
If Thompson had fought and won a decision against Michel, we'd be hearing something like "we don't make fights the night of the ppv, u guys!", just like we always do. I think he's absolutely lying through his teeth, and getting ready to feed Thompson to a wrestler after fucking with the program. I didn't think he would, but that answer was mad sus. Thompson would love a matchup like Garry and I don't see why he'd turn it down.
The closest version of the truth is something like this: Dana offered him a fight against Garry immediately, and at a date way too soon, maybe the shallow australia card, trying for a fast turnaround for Garry who is uninjured and building steam quickly now.
This at least forms the kernel of truth that can be manipulated in order to claim "thompson doesn't want the fight", setting the precedent for him to be promptly fed to Rinat if he beats Eizeau Dos Santos