Stephen Thompson -155 is my favourite play for this weekend. Burrell is a perfect fight for Thompson. I don't underestimate Burrell, as I think he's an incredibly talented athlete; I was one of the only (if not the only) people who played him against Villefort, and I recommended the play to others here, too, even after he missed weight. However, he's simply outmatched here. Thompson is a superb kicker, and his hands are actually surprisingly effective. He throws a wide variety of strikes and he's a master of controlling distance. I was actually really impressed with Thompson in the Brown fight, although I'm sure I was the only one; he showed outstanding striking, decent fight IQ and in the first round, decent counter-wrestling until he gassed, badly. I don't think Burrell has the cardio or pace to fully exploit Thompson's cardio, though. Burrell is known to gas himself, and I've never seen him attempt a take down. Burrell has solid hands, and should have a power edge. I don't think it'll amount to much, though; Thompson will pick him apart at range all night, and possibly even finish him with a head kick. Burrell has shown himself to be very susceptible to kicks in the past, and pretty much any strike he doesn't expect, and Thompson is very crafty. He should be around -300 here, and only that low because of his cardio and wrestling issues, and because of Burrell's potential. If the Thompson who fought Brown fought the Burrell who fought Villefort, Thompson could easily be -600.
This is an absolute gimme fight for Thompson and he should handily win. I'm moderate-large on Thompson hedged with Burrell by decision +429. If Burrell wins, it's a decision.
More plays to come.
This is an absolute gimme fight for Thompson and he should handily win. I'm moderate-large on Thompson hedged with Burrell by decision +429. If Burrell wins, it's a decision.
More plays to come.
