MMA Preview – Stephen Thompson vs Anthony Pettis at UFC Fight Night 148
AT A GLANCE
When is UFC Fight Night 148? Sunday 24th March, 2019 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 148? Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
What channel is UFC Fight Night 148 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 148? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the game will be shown live and you can take advantage of a free trial with ESPN+ and subscribe now by clicking here!
Are tickets still available for UFC Fight Night 148? http://uk.ufc.com/event-ticket-info?utm_source=ufc&utm_medium=tab&utm_campaign=tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
Anthony ‘Showtime’ Pettis is at the stage of his career where he just wants to fight, put on shows and display his electrifying talent and has subsequently called out arguably the best striker in the weight class above – Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. Pettis is a former lightweight champion and has even competed in the featherweight division and his incredible war with Tony Ferguson in his last fight seems to have given him a thirst for more exciting battles, even if that means stepping up to 170 lbs.
‘Wonderboy’ is coming off a controversial decision loss to Darren Till and a knee injury that has kept him on the sidelines for nearly a year. He is a true gent and proud icon of his art and instead of complaining and demanding big fights, he has focused on his teaching and rehab. Now, he has made his recovery and can’t wait to partner Pettis in an exhibition of skill.
THE PREDICTION
On paper, this is a mouth-watering match-up. Thompson is a decorated, unbeaten kickboxer who has transitioned his skills over to MMA brilliantly. He can grapple but he is expected to go about his business as usual by conducting the range with masterful movement and peppering Pettis from range with an array of technical strikes.
Pettis has the talent to match ‘Wonderboy’ on the feet but as he is stepping up to welterweight, he will be giving up reach and weight. Thompson will only have a three-inch advantage but that is hugely significant for the kickboxer, who will utlitise it to the max.
If Pettis struggles to land on Thompson he may try and make the fight ugly by closing the distance and offloading unorthodox strikes. Ideally he will want the fight on the floor where his Jiu-Jitsu is on a different level but Thompson’s takedown defence and general ellusiveness will be key to nullifying Pettis’ attacks and, as it will be five rounds, Thompson has the conditioning to pull off a late finish.
Winner: Thompson via KO/TKO
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric.
