Stephen Thompson vs Joaquin Buckley: UFC 307 Showdown Preview
The welterweight division of the UFC is on the cusp of a thrilling showdown at UFC 307! Set to take place on October 5, 2024, at the iconic Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, fans can expect an electrifying contest between Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson and the dynamic Joaquin "New Mansa" Buckley. If you're a sports bettor or a fighting enthusiast, you're in for a treat, as the clash of styles and skills between these two warriors promises a bout filled with fireworks.
For fight fans and UFC betting aficionados, this matchup is more than just another addition to the event card. It's a fascinating clash between two top-ranked contenders with varying fight philosophies and an urgency to ascend in the welterweight ranks. Thompson, holding a professional record of 17 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw, comes in with a slight underdog status but brings a wealth of experience and a distinctive karate fighting style. At 41 years old, Wonderboy still embodies the spirit of martial arts, with a 46% significant strike accuracy and a notorious 55% defense rate. His recent record may feature some tough bouts, including a loss to the submission specialist Shavkat Rakhmonov, but his recent victory over Kevin Holland showcases that he is far from done.
On the flip side, Joaquin Buckley commands a compelling presence with a record of 19 wins and 6 losses. Known for his explosive power and striking prowess, Buckley enters the fight as the favorite. Bettors should note the varied odds available, such as -175 at Bovada and -150 at FanDuel, indicating a strong confidence in Buckley's ability to deliver. With 13 knockout victories under his belt and a solid 69% takedown defense, Buckley's aggressive and freestyle fighting approach makes him a formidable opponent.
The stakes are high, and as we inch closer to October 5th, the excitement continues to build. This match isn't just about rankings; it’s about legacy and making a statement. Thompson's strategic and methodical style will be pitted against Buckley's raw power and determination. Whether you’re laying down bets or simply tuning in for the spectacle, Thompson vs Buckley promises an unforgettable fight night loaded with technical mastery and possibly, highlight-reel moments.
So, mark your calendars, gear up for some intense action, and make sure to check back for more in-depth Stephen Thompson vs. Joaquin Buckley analysis, UFC betting tips, and expert UFC event predictions. The welterweight division is about to get rocked, and you won't want to miss a single moment of it!
Live odds
Live and historic odds as well as more fighter statistics and insights for Stephen Thompson vs Joaquin Buckley can be found on the fighter matchup page. All the fighter matchups and live odds for Pereira vs Rountree Jr. can be found on the Pereira vs Rountree Jr. event page.
Fighter Profiles: Stephen Thompson vs. Joaquin Buckley
Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson
Background: Stephen Thompson, hailing from Greenville, United States, is a 41-year-old seasoned MMA fighter known for his unique Karate-based fighting style. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing in at 171 pounds, his career in the UFC began back in February 2012. Thompson’s arm reach extends to 75 inches, while his leg reach measures up at 42 inches. Nicknamed "Wonderboy," Thompson holds a reputation for his precision striking and tactical movement inside the Octagon.
Recent Form: Over his last five outings, Thompson's performance has been a mix of high points and challenges:
- Loss vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov (2023): Submission in the second round.
- Win vs. Kevin Holland (2022): KO/TKO in the fourth round.
- Loss vs. Belal Muhammad (2021): Unanimous decision.
- Loss vs. Gilbert Burns (2021): Unanimous decision.
- Win vs. Geoff Neal (2020): Unanimous decision.
Strengths:
- Significant Strike Accuracy: Thompson boasts a striking accuracy of 46%, indicating his precision in landing meaningful shots.
- Defense: With a significant strike defense rate of 55%, he can effectively avoid incoming attacks.
- Versatility: Thompson's career shows he can dominate through KOs (8 wins) or wear opponents down through technical and tactical prowess.
Weaknesses:
- Ground Game: His takedown defense stands at 66%, which has been exploited by opponents proficient in wrestling and submissions.
- Age Factor: At 41, age may impede his cardio and overall physical performance against younger, more explosive fighters.
Joaquin "New Mansa" Buckley
Background: Joaquin Buckley, a 30-year-old fighter from the United States, brings an explosive and freestyle approach to the welterweight category. With a height of 5 feet 10 inches and a fight weight of 170 pounds, Buckley has a notable arm reach of 76 inches and a leg reach of 40 inches. Since debuting in the UFC in August 2020, Buckley has captivated fans with his power-packed performances and dynamic striking abilities.
Recent Form: Examining Buckley's last five bouts, it becomes clear he's riding an impressive wave:
- Win vs. Nursultan Ruziboev (2024): Unanimous decision.
- Win vs. Vicente Luque (2024): KO/TKO in the second round.
- Win vs. Alex Morono (2023): Unanimous decision.
- Win vs. Andre Fialho (2023): KO/TKO in the second round.
- Loss vs. Chris Curtis (2022): KO/TKO in the second round.
Strengths:
- Knockout Power: With 13 of his 19 wins coming by way of knockout, Buckley has undeniable power in his strikes.
- Defensive Tactic: A takedown defense rate of 69% ensures that he can keep the fight standing, where he excels.
- Aggressiveness: Buckley's approach often overwhelms opponents, dictating the pace and putting them on the back foot.
Weaknesses:
- Accuracy: His striking accuracy stands at 36%, meaning he does throw a lot but doesn't always land cleanly.
- Stamina: With an average fight time of 10:13, his effectiveness might dwindle in battles that go into the championship rounds.
- Ground Game: Buckley's submissions record is stark at zero, highlighting an area that may be targeted by more well-rounded opponents.
As fight night approaches, it's clear both fighters bring distinct strengths and vulnerabilities to the Octagon. Thompson's experience and striking precision will clash with Buckley's power and aggressive tactics, setting the stage for an explosive contest worth every moment of anticipation. Stick around for more UFC betting tips and in-depth Fighter vs. Fighter analysis as we inch closer to UFC 307!
Odds and Betting Insights: Stephen Thompson vs. Joaquin Buckley
Current Betting Odds
As we gear up for the highly anticipated bout between Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson and Joaquin "New Mansa" Buckley at UFC 307, it's essential for bettors to delve into the latest betting odds and see who stands as the underdog and the favorite. Currently, the odds have established Buckley as the favorite across multiple sportsbooks:
- Caesars: Joaquin Buckley at -165, Stephen Thompson at +140.
- FanDuel: Joaquin Buckley at -150, Stephen Thompson at +118.
- LowVig.ag: Joaquin Buckley at -175, Stephen Thompson at +150.
- Bovada: Joaquin Buckley at -175, Stephen Thompson at +150.
- BetRivers: Joaquin Buckley at -150, Stephen Thompson at +120.
- BetOnline.ag: Joaquin Buckley at -175, Stephen Thompson at +150.
Betting Summary
Joaquin Buckley:
- Favorite: Across the board, Buckley is the favorite to win with odds ranging from -150 to -175.
- Best Odds: For those looking to back Buckley, FanDuel offers the best odds at -150, presenting a more favorable payout compared to other sportsbooks.
Stephen Thompson:
- Underdog: Thompson comes in as the underdog, his odds positioned anywhere from +118 to +150.
- Best Odds: Betting on Thompson at LowVig.ag, Bovada, and BetOnline.ag, each offering +150, would yield the most significant payout for bettors favoring the savvy veteran.
Sportsbook Insights
In examining the sportsbooks' odds history, BetOnline.ag and LowVig.ag show more frequent updates, reflecting real-time fluctuations in betting action:
- BetOnline.ag: Previously shifted Buckley’s odds from -144 to -160 before finally settling at -175. Similarly, Thompson’s odds moved from +124 to +150.
- LowVig.ag: Displayed a change from -144 to -175 for Buckley and went from +124 to +150 for Thompson.
Betting Payouts and Probabilities
Payouts:
- Betting $1,000 on Buckley at -150 (FanDuel): You would stand to profit approximately $666.67, making your total payout $1,666.67.
- Betting $1,000 on Thompson at +150 (LowVig.ag, Bovada, BetOnline.ag): Your total payout would be $2,500, with a profit of $1,500, should Thompson clinch the victory.
Probabilities: Based on the current odds:
- Joaquin Buckley: As the favorite, sportsbooks are giving him a higher implied probability to win, which translates roughly between 55% to 63%.
- Stephen Thompson: Conversely, as the underdog, Thompson’s implied winning probability falls between 40% to 45%.
Key Takeaways for Bettors
Betting enthusiasts looking to maximize their returns should pay close attention to the shifts in odds:
- For Favoring Buckley: FanDuel presents the most favorable odds at -150, which offers the best balance between risk and reward.
- For Backing Thompson: Multiple sportsbooks like LowVig.ag, Bovada, and BetOnline.ag extend the most lucrative +150 odds for Thompson, catering to those willing to bet on the underdog.
Thrilling upsets and predictably dominant performances both have their place in the Octagon, and bettors should weigh the fighter profiles, recent form, and betting odds smartly. Whether you’re risk-averse or a high-stakes thrill-seeker, a closer look at the odds history can provide valuable insights into where to place your bets. Stay tuned to our website for more Stephen Thompson vs. Joaquin Buckley analysis, UFC betting tips, and expert UFC event predictions as we approach this riveting match-up!