Stephen Thompson Plans To Increase Aggression Against Anthony Pettis

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Stephen Thompson said that he plans to increase his aggression when he fights Anthony Pettis at UFC on ESPN+ 6. Here are highlights:

On being more aggressive: “One of the things I’ve worked on is being a little more aggressive. Not overly aggressive when you see guys run out there and get knocked out, but stepping out there, letting them feel my presence the same way I did Johny Hendricks. That was a mindset I had when I stepped out there. I had a lot of respect for Johny Hendricks, but I didn’t care. I just went out there and did my own thing. Didn’t really care what he was going to do, which I think the last fights I really was (caring).”

On fighting a fellow striking expert: “I think out of everyone I’ve faced so far in the welterweight division, he is going to be the one most familiar with my style than any of them, because he’s a taekwondo specialist and you’ve seen him fight. His distance management is off the chart. He’s very good. He familiar with that style growing up in taekwondo. Do I think it’s going to be an easy fight? No, not at all. I’m going to be prepared for the best, for a five-round war with this guy. Even though he’s fought (at) 145, 155 (pounds) – like he said, a straight shot to the chin can take anyone out no matter how big you are. It feels different. Him and his coach, I think they took the fight because they think they have my number.”