Being one of the most accomplished strikers on the UFC roster, it’s no surprise that most of Stephen Thompson’s opponents want to take the fight to the mat as soon as possible.
Thompson expects much the same from Gilbert Burns when they meet at UFC 264 this weekend. The decorated Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner Burns has improved leaps and bounds in the striking department of late, but Thompson expects ‘Durinho’ to revert to his old ways in their fight.
“They know they can’t stand in there and strike with me,” Thompson told MMA Fighting. “They’re going to be shooting for the legs and I know for a fact Gilbert Burns will as well.