Nashville will get quite a card for its UFC Fight Night on Saturday. Of course, the headline of the marquee is Stephen Thompson going up against Anthony Pettis in a welterweight match. Pettis is a past lightweight champion with the UFC betting odds. Indeed, both fighters have earned respect from fans and gamblers. However, Thompson is the far more impressive combatant for this showdown in the eyes of gamblers. Many fans have dreamed of a Pettis vs. Thompson paring for quite some time. Despite being the big chalk Thompson is trying to get back on track after recent setbacks.
UFC Fight Night Thompson vs. Pettis
Date and Time: Saturday, March 23, 2019, 7 p.m. ET
Location: Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, Tennessee
MMA Betting Online Odds: Click here!
UFC Fight Night TV Coverage: ESPN+
Anthony Pettis
Granted Anthony Pettis carries plenty of cache with the UFC betting odds. But much of that is equity that was earned from the past. Concurrently Pettis is considered to be past his prime. Extending that reputation is the fact that Pettis has lost six of his last nine fights. His time as UFC lightweight champion was four long years ago. Hence the theory that his best days as a contender are over. Pettis is also seen by handicappers as fodder in a Thompson campaign for another title shot.
Stephen Thompson
Stephen Thompson had two shots at the UFC welterweight title against Tyron Woodley. However, he was unable to win either time. Initially he fought Woodley to a draw. Secondly Thompson lost in five rounds by decision in the rematch. Of great concern was Thompson’s last fight. Darren Till defeated him in a unanimous decision in a five-round bout at Liverpool, England. Yet Thompson is still celebrated as a top tier contender.
Wonderboy Stats
Now Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is 36 years old and is a native of Simpsonville, South Carolina. He stands at six feet tall with a reach of 75 inches. At the beginning he was a kickboxing star that posted a perfect 58-0 record. On the whole Wonderboy has been involved in UFC since 2012. His sportsbook Record in mixed martial arts is 14-3-1. And of his 14 wins a total of seven were by knockout, one by submission, and six by decision. Counter to that are three decision losses.
Counter Puncher
Henceforth Thompson is highly regarded as a counter puncher. Among his best tactical traits is his ability to bait opponents into coming into him. And when that happens, he owns them. Extending that reputation is a vow by Wonderboy to be more aggressive in this fight. His technical knockout win over Johnny Hendricks serves as the template for what Thompson wants to do against Pettis.
Matchup to Watch
Previously Thompson was a highly regarded and touted contender with the UFC Betting Odds. On this occasion he has everything to lose. Should Pettis pull off the upset Thompson’s career will be stalled. Perhaps forever.
UFC Betting Odds Picks
In this situation look for Stephen Thompson to make a big leap forward.
UFC Betting Online Pick: Stephen Thompson.
Catch a breakdown of the Pettis vs. Thompson fight!