UFC Predictions: UFC 264: Dustin Poirier vs. Conor McGregor 3 predictions

#3 UFC welterweight division: Gilbert Burns vs. Stephen Thompson

Stephen Thompson could put himself into title contention with a win over Gilbert Burns at UFC 264

This welterweight bout not only promises to be an excellent clash of two of the better 170lbers on the UFC’s roster, it could also act as a route for one of the fighters to earn a title shot.

Unfortunately, even with a win, a title shot probably isn’t in Gilbert Burns’ imminent future. ‘Durinho’ took his shot at UFC welterweight kingpin Kamaru Usman earlier this year. While he had some success in the opening round, he eventually succumbed to a third round knockout.

This fight, therefore, will give us plenty of indication as to how the Brazilian has bounced back from such a devastating loss.

1 week #UFC264 pic.twitter.com/9nrnappzzj

— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) July 3, 2021

Stephen Thompson, on the other hand, is currently riding a strong two-fight win streak. He’s only fought sporadically in recent years – four fights since 2018 – but he did defeat Vicente Luque and Geoff Neal, impressing in both fights.

Therefore, if ‘Wonderboy’ can defeat a previous title contender here, he may well have a case for his own shot at Usman.

This fight is likely to come down to which man can impose his style on the other. For Burns, it’s imperative that he keeps Thompson on the back foot.

He’ll probably look to back him up using the threat of his takedown, and then look to either bring the fight to the ground, where he can unleash his submission game, or hit him with one of his clubbing power punches.

‘Wonderboy’, on the other hand, will look to bamboozle Burns with his movement, keep him guessing, and pick at him en route to a clear-cut decision or, better still, a knockout.

Almost time!! Adding the final touches and preparing mentally and physically for the weight cut process. So pumped for July 10th 👊🏼 🥋 ! #UFC264 pic.twitter.com/dHhJnEQTg3

— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) June 29, 2021

In all honesty it could go either way, but the big question is whether Burns has the capability to carry off his gameplan against a tricky UFC fighter like Thompson.

After all, the only men to beat ‘Wonderboy’ in the UFC in recent years were Anthony Pettis, Tyron Woodley and Darren Till. Till engaged him and somehow beat him in a point-fighting affair, Pettis landed a once-in-a-lifetime knockout and prime Woodley was faster than Burns is.

Therefore, it’s likely that despite his best efforts, Burns won’t be able to get hold of Thompson. Burns will instead eat a series of chipping blows before suffering a late knockout once he’s begun to wear down.

The Pick: Thompson via third round KO