Stephen Thompson shares his views on the UFC 258 headliner, Kamru Usman Vs. Gilbert Burns. The fight is scheduled to take place on February 13.
The countdown for UFC 258 has started and with it, the much-anticipated title fight between Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns is again making rounds. It is the headliner fight of the night, which after two scraps (UFC 251 & UFC 256) is yet again leading the fight sheet of a pay-per-view.
The fight may give afresh shape to the Welterweight division, and hence the contest is of prime interest to other top contenders of the division as well. In lines with the same, the no.5 ranked UFC Welterweight, Stephen Thompson has put forth his prediction of the forthcoming title match.
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Stephen Thompson predicts the result of UFC 258 headliner
In an interview on the “Weighing in” podcast, Stephen Thompson shared his thoughts on Usman Vs. Burns, and implied that it is going to be an evenly contested match and may prove to be Kamaru Usman’s toughest fight.
“I think this is going to be Kamaru Usman’s toughest fight for sure,” Thompson told the “Weighing In” podcast. “I mean (Burns has) got the ground. He’s a high-level jiu-jitsu practitioner, he’s got good striking, he’s been knocking dudes out. So I think he’s the better well-rounded fighter he’s faced, even Colby Covington. But Usman, on top of that, he’s an intelligent fighter. He’s got pressure and cardio for days. He’s got a gas tank like no other, but I do believe he can outwrestle Burns.
“I think he could wrestle him and neutralize his jiu-jitsu. His top game is really, really good, especially up against the fence. If he can get him pinned up against the fence where he’s able to control his opponent’s hips, I think he’s got it. But the thing is, getting in there. Burns’ striking is fast. That dude’s explosive. He may not have the reach Kamaru does, but he’s explosive and you saw it against Tyron Woodley. He knocked him down, something I wasn’t able to do.”
Although he is of the opinion that Gilbert Burns has the required skill-set to compete against Kamaru Usman but, when it comes to picking the favorite, Stephen Thompson said Usman would prove to be the superior competitor.
“I believe Kamaru Usman could do it,” Thompson said. “I like Kamaru Usman, I think he’s a great champ, I think he holds the title very well. I’m going for Usman, man. I think Usman’s got it.”
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