The pay-per-view gets underway in the welterweight division, as Stephen Thompson faces off with Michel Pereira in what promises to be a captivating affair.
Thompson remains a fixture in the Top 10 of the welterweight division, returning to action this weekend for the first time since outworking Holland in early December. That victory snapped a two-fight skid, and despite being 40, “Wonderboy” continues to show the speed, movement, and dynamic striking that makes him a difficult test for anyone that stands across from him inside the Octagon.
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Reining in the cartwheels and flips and chaotic movements has helped Pereira put together a five-fight winning streak heading into this one. While he still breaks out creative attacks and frenetic movements from time-to-time, the Brazilian has done well to stay technical, use his fundamentals, and keep pushing forward while posting wins over Andre Fialho and Ponzinibbio in 2022 to keep his run of success intact.
Currently stationed at No. 7 and No. 15, respectively, in the welterweight division, this bout has a little bit of a “referendum on where they stand” feel for me, as Thompson is once again tasked with defending his position in the Top 10 and Pereira has the opportunity to show he’s truly amongst the division’s elite.
This should be a riveting battle between two dynamic strikers to kick off the pay-per-view on Saturday.
