Stephen Thompson vs Joaquin Buckley: Fight Prediction

Current Form

Stephen Thompson, an accomplished full-contact kickboxer, has remained undefeated with a record of 37 amateur and 20 professional fights. He holds an impressive array of top honors from various major tournaments. Thompson transitioned to mixed martial arts in 2010 and signed with Dana White’s league just two years later.

Wonderboy has faced setbacks recently, losing three out of his last four matches. In December 2023, he was defeated by Kazakhstan's Shavkat Rakhmonov via submission in the second round, prior to losing to his fellow American Belal Muhammad by unanimous decision and to Brazil's Gilbert Burns also by unanimous decision. The 41-year-old Thompson boasts 17 victories, including eight by knockout, eight by decision, and one by submission, along with seven losses. He holds black belts in Kenpo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and kickboxing. 

Interesting Betting Trends

Thompson's takedown success rate stands at 42 percent.

Current Form

Joaquin Buckley previously competed in Bellator MMA and Legacy Fighting Alliance but did not claim a title there. He joined the premier mixed martial arts promotion in 2020 and has experienced mixed success. The fighter known as New Mansa has secured four consecutive victories. In his latest fight in May 2024, he triumphed over Uzbekistan's Nursultan Ruziboev by unanimous decision. Before that, he defeated Brazilian Vicente Luque by TKO in the second round, American Alex Morono by unanimous decision, and Portuguese Andre Fialho by knockout in the first round.

The 30-year-old Buckley boasts a record of 19 wins, including 13 by knockout and six by decision, along with six losses. He is currently ranked 11th in the UFC welterweight division.

Interesting Betting Trends

Buckley's knockout defeat rate stands at 67 percent.