Stephen Thompson is eager to test his striking skills against Carlos Prates.
Prates (21-7 MMA, 4-1 UFC) recently faced his first defeat in the octagon when he lost to Ian Machado Garry at UFC on ESPN 66. Despite hurting Machado Garry late in the fight, Prates was outstruck overall and taken down four times.
Thompson (17-7-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) respectfully called out Prates and envisions a striking battle between them.
“It will be a striking extravaganza,” Thompson shared with MMA on SiriusXM. “Both Prates and I prefer to keep the fight on our feet. We want to determine who the best striker in the UFC is.”
“I believe it would be an incredible fight. I’m excited about it. Carlos Prates, please sign the contract. Let’s make it happen, put on a show, exchange punches, and maybe enjoy a beer together afterward,” Thompson added.
“Wonderboy” has a history of outclassing up-and-coming contenders in striking battles. He has gone head-to-head with top fighters like Vicente Luque, Geoff Neal, and Kevin Holland. However, in his last fight, Thompson was knocked out by Joaquin Buckley at UFC 307 in October.