MMA Preview – Stephen Thompson vs Vicente Luque at UFC 244
THE FACTS
When is UFC 244? Sunday 3rd October, 2019 - 00:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC 244? Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York
What channel is UFC 244 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 244? 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+ which can you sign up to here!
Are tickets still available for UFC Fight Night 244? https://www.ufc.com/tickets
THE STATISTICS
THE LOWDOWN
Stephen Thompson and Vicente Luque throw down in New York with ‘Wonderboy’ searching for his first win in three but another beast stands in his way who is riding a brilliant six-fight winning streak.
Thompson has only won one of his last five but they were all incredibly tough fights. He came close to the title after dragging Tyron Woodley to a draw but then lost a decision in the rematch which was also a close one. He bounced back with a classy decision over Jorge Masvidal but is coming off two losses to Darren Till and Anthony Pettis.
Contrastingly, Luque is in the form of his life only losing once in his last 11. That was a decision to Leon Edwards but since he has blitzed his way through the division with a submission and four knockouts and is now coming off his biggest win, taking Mike Perry to a split decision.
THE PREDICTION
Luque’s confidence in his hands could be his undoing in this one. He is such a dangerous striker but that may not be enough against an undefeated kickboxer. Thompson got knocked out by Pettis but he was controlling the fight up until the superman punch and will have learned from his mistake.
Thompson is expected to control the distance by popping in and out of range and catching Luque at the end of his strikes. Thompson should frustrate Luque and tally up strike after strike but is unlikely to finish as Luque is so durable.
Winner: Thompson via Decision
Striking and grappling stats sourced via FightMetric.
