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#6. Stephen Thompson (14-3-1) vs. Anthony Pettis (21-8) (Welterweight)
A striking connoisseur's dream come true; Classic Taekwondo vs. Karate style. Wonderboy vs. Showtime. A potential striking clinic. It doesn't get any better than this!
Wonderboy began with a big high kick. No surprises there! Pettis kept pushing forward to cut the distance and landed a solid body kick. Unlike his previous fights, Thompson showed more urgency and looked for the finish as he had promised in the build-up to the bout.
Pettis matched Thompson kick-for-kick but Wonderboy landed additional strikes with his hands. Pettis was in Thompson's face and it was reminiscent of his war against Tony Ferguson. A good first round for Pettis but Thompson may have edged it on the scorecards.
Pettis was told to counter Thompson's kicks with kicks of his own. A smart strategy against a Karate style fighter. Thompson's left thigh was reddened by the constant low kicks by Pettis.
Pettis continued to target the left leg of Thompson but was wary of Wonderboy's quick jab. Pettis got pushed back to the cage by Wonderboy. Showtime catapulted back landed a highlight reel Superman Punch. It was more of a Superman hook but it was classic Showtime!
Wonderboy's lights went out as Pettis jumped in to land two monstrous punches before the referee stepped in to stop the fight. Showtime was backed up against the cage, had a busted nose, and was being swarmed by Thompson's unorthodox striking. He pulled out a Superman Punch outta nowhere! Now that's Showtime at his bes.
Result: Anthony Pettis def. Stephen Thompson via KO (4:55, Round 2)
Pettis knocked out one of the best Welterweights in the world on his debut in the 170 lbs division and that deserves a big applause. The former Lightweight Champion showed why he is one of the most exciting knockout artists in the world and is back to winning ways with the emphatic knockout.
