Grappling: 5.1 takedowns / 15 vs 36% defense
Read matchup Real analysis. Smarter reads. A deeper understanding of the card.
The stored numbers are close enough that this is a fight about execution and adjustments rather than one obvious mismatch.
The stored career numbers do not draw a sharp contrast between these two, which usually means the fight is decided by adjustments rather than a single dominant phase.
Supporting evidenceDurability: Pettis finished 3× on record
| Attribute | Pettis | Thompson |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 32 | 36 |
| Height | 5′10″ | 6′0″ |
| Reach | 72″ | 75″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Rank | Unranked | Unranked |
Highlighted rows mark a meaningful factual difference, not an advantage. Unpublished values stay unpublished.
Pettis has been finished 3 times in the archive and absorbs 3.4 strikes per minute; Thompson has never been stopped in the stored record.
Favors ThompsonThompson holds a 3-inch reach edge (75" to 72"); Pettis has to cross distance to land.
Favors Thompson3 and 4 significant strikes per minute: similar output, so accuracy (47% vs 46%) decides the exchanges.
Who sets the range in round one: Thompson holds the longer reach, so early success for the shorter fighter usually requires feints and fast entries.
With the stored numbers close, the middle rounds come down to adjustments: who solves the opening read first, with strike defense at 54% and 54%.
Scheduled for five rounds: 25 minutes changes the pace math, and a fighter who banks two early rounds can afford to manage the fourth.
