EXCLUSIVE | Pro fighters make their picks for Anthony Pettis vs Stephen Thompson fight

By Cole Shelton - March 21, 2019

The Octagon heads to Nashville, Tennessee this weekend, with a very interesting welterweight matchup in the main event. Former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis will be moving up in weight to challenge former welterweight title challenger Stephen Thompson.

Anthony-Pettis-Stephen-Thompson

Ahead of this welterweight fight, BJPENN.com reached out to several pro fighters to get their predictions for the fight.

Here’s what they had to say.

Pro Fighters Picks: Anthony Pettis vs Stephen Thompson

Beneil Dariush, UFC lightweight: I don’t think I am going to pick against ‘Wonderboy’. I really like that guy and we hung out before and I got to tell you he is one of the coolest guys I have ever met. So I’m going to go with ‘Wonderboy.’

Drew Dober, UFC lightweight: I think both are very fluid and have exciting styles. But, Thompson’s size and reach will play a factor in the fight and Thompson will win.

Macy Chiasson, UFC bantamweight: They have very similar styles. It will be a great fight, but I draw the line on that one. I honestly have no clue.

Blagoy Ivanov, UFC heavyweight: I am going to go with Anthony Pettis.

Steven Peterson, UFC featherweight: I think ‘Wonderboy’ is going to take it. Just his size advantage. Pettis going up will be way to undersized for the welterweight division.

Georgi Karakhanyan, Bellator featherweight: I am picking Thompson. Just the size will play a big role.

Montana De La Rosa, UFC flyweight: I am going to go with Wonderboy.

Alex Morono, UFC welterweight: I think Wonderboy will be able to control the range and use his size to beat Pettis. It will be a really fun fight and I think Wonderboy wins a decision.

Jordan Rinaldi, UFC featherweight: Stephen, he is my boy. Pettis is a big guy anyway, but Stephen is the better striker and more dynamic with his stuff. I think Stephen will out point him if not finish him. 

John Makdessi, UFC lightweight: I am going to go with Anthony, he is my training partner and I see him every day.

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Fighters picking Anthony Pettis: Blagoy Ivanov, John Makdessi

Fighters picking Stephen Thompson: Beneil Dariush, Drew Dober, Steven Peterson, Georgi Karakhanyan, Montana De La Rosa, Alex Morono, Jordan Rinaldi

Fighters undecided: Macy Chiasson

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 3/21/2019.