Thompson, who’s similarly known for the unique striking that stems from his karate background, anticipates a more patient approach from his UFC 291 counterpart. Fighting at Delta Arena in Salt Lake City, athletes will need to adapt to the city’s high elevation. Thompson believes this will force Pereira to fight more calculated.
“I think it’s a really cool style,” Thompson said of Pereira. “Stylistically, he comes from a karate background and capoeira background. He hit me up on social media about a year ago and was like, ‘Hey man, I got some karate footage, check it out,’ so it’s cool that we’re fighting. He’s wild and crazy, this guy, which is one of the reasons I liked it. I like going into a fight not quite knowing exactly what my opponent is going to do because I like the game. I like to go out there and adapt and be able to adapt mid-fight.
“He’s a very well-rounded fighter. He’s a good grappler, he’s got good striking, he does the flips and spins. It’s crazy but I think he’s a little smarter and more intelligent coming into this fight. We’re at higher altitude, so I think he’s going to try and conserve energy by maybe waiting a little bit.”
With title aspirations on his mind, Thompson believes a win against Pereira will earn him a clash with one of the welterweight division’s Top 5 contenders. How does Thompson plan on getting the win? “Wonderboy” isn’t one to make too bold of a prediction but says that he’s prepared for whatever happens inside the Octagon, no matter how long it takes.
“If the knockout happens, it happens, if it doesn’t, it doesn’t,” Thompson said, providing his prediction for the fight. “I always prepare for a three five-minute round war. I think, mentally, you should prepare for that so if it does get difficult, you’ll be ready for it. I always picture my hand being raised after every fight and that’s what I visualize now, my hand being raised.”
