via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 02: (R-L) Stephen Thompson punches Vicente Luque of Brazil in their welterweight bout during the UFC 244 event at Madison Square Garden on November 02, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 02: (R-L) Stephen Thompson punches Vicente Luque of Brazil in their welterweight bout during the UFC 244 event at Madison Square Garden on November 02, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Gilbert Burns is all set to face Stephen Thompson at the co-main event of UFC 264. While fans from all around the world are eagerly waiting for the McGregor vs Poirier 3 fight, the clash between Burns and ‘Wonderboy’ also promises to be a great one.
Both Burns and Thompson are ranked inside the top 5 in the UFC welterweight rankings. Therefore, a victory for either could warrant a title shot in the near future. Coming into the fight ‘Durinho’ will be very confident as he has lost just 1 of his last 7 UFC fights. His only loss came against Kamaru Usman at UFC 258.
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On the other hand, Thompson is coming to the fight on the back of two consecutive victories. ‘Wonderboy’ last defeated Geoff Neal at the UFC Vegas 17 event via unanimous decision.
UFC 264: Gilbert Burns vs Stephen Thompson
Burn’s is often considered one of the best submission grapplers in the UFC and is a former world Jiu-Jitsu champion. Burns has also competed in the UFC lightweight division for some time but eventually returned to welterweight.
While Burns is a grappling expert, Thompson is one of the best strikers in UFC. ‘Wonderboy’ has fought and defeated many skilled fighters including Robert Whittaker and Jorge Masvidal due to his striking prowess. Therefore, many consider that even though Burns is a great competitor, ‘Wonderboy’ enters this fight as a slight favorite.
Two of the nicest (and baddest) dudes in the sport have agreed to throw down at UFC 264 on July 10. Gilbert Burns (@GilbertDurinho) vs. Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) has been verbally agreed to, per Dana White (@danawhite). pic.twitter.com/Lv5uEsxqRb
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) April 3, 2021
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If Thompson wins the UFC 264 fight, he will surely become the No.1 contender for the title. As he is the only one amongst the top 5 UFC welterweight fighters, to have not faced Usman.
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For this fight, Burns would look to pressure Thompson with a takedown threat. Because if Thompson gets early space and opportunity he would love to show his striking prowess and try to end the fight via a KO. This fight is hard to call as both fighters are experts in their techniques. One can expect this fight to be one of the best of the night and a treat for all fans to watch.
Final Prediction: Stephen Thompson defeats Gilbert Burns via unanimous decision
