Stephen Thompson vs. Michel Pereira Set for UFC 289

Geoff Neal and Stephen Thompson, UFC Vegas 17
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 19: (R-L) Stephen Thompson punches Geoff Neal in a welterweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on December 19, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)

A promising welterweight match-up between a pair of flashy strikers is set for UFC 289 in June.

Stephen Thompson (17-6-1) will face Michel Pereira (28-11, 2NC) at the event on June 10, which still does not have a location or venue officially announced.

MMA Sucka was first to report news of the booking, which Pereira recently confirmed on social media. “I’m really looking forward to it, it’s going to be so much fun!” wrote “Demolidor” in response to the booking.

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is a two-time welterweight title challenger in the UFC, and will enter the fight off a dismantling of Kevin Holland in December. That performance helped earn the duo Fight of the Night honors.

Thompson, 40, snapped a two-fight skid with the victory. He’s currently ranked #7 in the 170lb weight class.

Pereira remains on a five-fight win streak, but has not fought since capturing a split decision victory over Argentina’s Santiago Ponzinibbio last May. Despite the inactivity, Pereira has clung to his #15 ranking — and a potential win over “Wonderboy” could give him a huge boost.

UFC 289 on June 10 currently has the following fights reported for it:

  • Miranda Maverick vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius
  • Eryk Anders vs. Marc-André Barriault
  • Diana Belbiţă vs. Maria Oliveira
  • Blake Bilder vs. Kyle Nelson
  • Matt Schnell vs. David Dvořák
  • Dan Ige vs. Nate Landwehr
  • Stephen Thompson vs. Michel Pereira