Stephen Thompson Raises Questions About Joaquin Buckley’s Cardio Ahead of UFC 307 Clash

As the highly anticipated UFC 307 event draws near, the MMA world is buzzing with excitement over the welterweight showdown between Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Joaquin Buckley. In a recent interview with RG.org, Thompson, known for his strategic approach to fighting, shared his thoughts on the upcoming bout and raised concerns about his opponent’s cardio.

The veteran fighter, Thompson, has been meticulously studying Buckley’s previous performances and believes he may have identified a potential weakness. “Wonderboy” expressed his curiosity about Buckley’s ability to maintain his explosive style throughout the entire fight.

Thompson, a two-time title challenger, is renowned for his karate-based striking and elusive movement. He emphasized the importance of endurance in their upcoming three-round contest, suggesting that Buckley’s aggressive style might lead to fatigue in the later rounds.

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.

Here's Joaquin Buckley's incredible knockout in slow motion from a different angle 🤯 pic.twitter.com/Fj2ZYpfMX4

— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) October 11, 2020

“The guy is just an athlete,” Thompson told RG.org. “He’s mostly known as kind of a brawler type. For him to pull that [kick] off was just crazy, and I think that’s why it worked, because nobody — even his opponent — didn’t expect that, didn’t think he was capable of something like that, which is why it worked so well. To be able to face off against Joaquin Buckley, it’s awesome.”

By publicly questioning Buckley’s cardio, Thompson may be attempting to plant seeds of doubt in his opponent’s mind. This psychological tactic could force Buckley to alter his game plan or become overly conscious of his energy expenditure during the fight.

“He’s a very bulky guy. I wonder if he’s going to fatigue a little bit, because usually the more muscular guys tire out,” Thompson said. “I would love for this to be a five-round fight.”

The matchup between Thompson and Buckley has generated significant interest among MMA fans. The contrast in styles—Thompson’s technical striking versus Buckley’s explosive power—promises an intriguing clash that could unfold in various ways.

Both fighters are looking to make a statement in the competitive welterweight division. A win for either could propel them closer to title contention, making this bout crucial for their respective career trajectories.

As UFC 307 approaches, the MMA community eagerly awaits the showdown between Stephen Thompson and Joaquin Buckley. Thompson’s comments about Buckley’s potential cardio issues have added an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling matchup.

Whether Buckley will prove Thompson’s concerns unfounded or if “Wonderboy” will capitalize on a possible stamina advantage remains to be seen. One thing is certain: both fighters will need to bring their A-game to emerge victorious in what promises to be a thrilling contest.

As the countdown to UFC 307 continues, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how this battle of styles unfolds and whether cardio indeed becomes a determining factor in the outcome of this highly anticipated welterweight clash.