“You go back and watch, I think it was a fight ago, he fought the big (Uzbek) dude, he took him down,” Thompson told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 307 media day. “He won by takedown. So I prepared for that. I knew that was going to happen.

Everything you need to know about the UFC 307 fight card bout between Stephen Thompson and Joaquin Buckley - betting lines, highlights, pick, prediction, and more.

Buckley, who’s 4-0 since dropping to 170 pounds in 2023, believes a win over former UFC title challenger Stephen Thompson this Saturday at UFC 307 will put him into title contention. Buckley (19-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) respects what Thompson (17-7-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) has done in his career, but sees him as another step to get to his ultimate goal.

Joaquin Buckley has made a name for himself with his highlight-reel knockouts and dynamic fighting style. His performances have been characterized by explosive bursts of energy and powerful strikes that often end fights early. However, Thompson wonders if this approach might be a double-edged sword when facing a seasoned veteran like himself.