MMA Preview – Stephen Thompson vs Michel Pereira at UFC 291
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STEPHEN THOMPSON VS MICHEL PEREIRA FACTS
When is UFC 291? Sunday 30th July, 2023 - 00:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 291? Delta Center, Salt Lake City, Utah (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 291? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 291
What channel is UFC 291 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 291? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
STEPHEN THOMPSON VS MICHEL PEREIRA LOWDOWN
Stephen Thompson (17-6-1) turned back the clock with a vintage performance last time out. He was coming off two unanimous decision losses to Gilbert Burns (2021) and Belal Muhammad (2021) who carefully wrestled him for three rounds. He then met the dangerous Kevin Holland back in December last year and gave him an absolute beating thanks to his bewildering decision to keep the fight on the feet.
A 2019 Michel Pereira (28-11(2)) would be crazy enough to take that kind of chance, but he has shown a much more mature game since then. He has ditched most of the theatrics and worked on his cardio which has paid dividends compiling an impressive five-fight win streak. He submitted Zelim Imadaev (2020) and went on to earn decisions over Khaos Williams (2020), Niko Price (2021), Andre Fialho (2022), and Santiago Ponzinibbio (2022).
STEPHEN THOMPSON VS MICHEL PEREIRA PREDICTION
This Pereira gives Thompson a much tougher fight. Pressure and wrestling is the key to beating him and he has displayed that string to his bow brilliantly in recent fights. His strengths still lie in his striking with an exhilarating arsenal of strikes from his capoeira background.
That said, he is not Burns or Muhammad who’s grappling is on a different level and not many fighters can match Thompson’s striking in terms of technique and movement. So, this is a tough match-up for Pereira, but he has 11 years on Wonderboy and is in his prime.
The striking battle will be fascinating especially if Pereira brings out some of his old tricks which may be what he needs to break the pattern of Thompson and land something clean.
If he can also mix in his wrestling and tie Thompson up, he can snatch a couple rounds. However, he will run the risk of gassing out at high altitude.
Pereira is worth a punt as the underdog but, we feel the majority of this fight will play out on the feet, so we have to back Wonderboy who is still an elusive assassin at 40.
Prediction: Thompson via Decision
Value bet: Pereira to win
