UFC Nashville live blog: Stephen Thompson vs. Anthony Pettis

This is the UFC Nashville live blog for the Stephen Thompson vs. Anthony Pettis welterweight bout at Saturday’s UFC event inside the Bridgestone Arena.

Thompson, a two-time welterweight title challenger, is looking to get back into the column after coming up short against Darren Till in May 2018. Pettis, a former lightweight champion, is making the jump up to 170 pounds after coming up short to Tony Ferguson in a lightweight scrap last October.

Check out the UFC Nashville live blog below.

Round 1: Herb Dean is the third man in the Octagon for this main event. With a touch of the gloves, Thompson opens up a series of side kicks aimed at Pettis’ midsection. Dancing around the outside, Thompson threatens with a straight left before eating a body kick from Pettis. With his hands completely at his side, Thompson continues to circle away as he batters Pettis with combinations. Pettis responds with thunderous outside leg kick.

Pettis eats a body kick and responds with another leg kick. Pettis continues to work the midsection with a right kick before narrowly missing with a spinning back heel kick. Smiling, Thompson nods in approval. Plodding forward, Pettis slaps in a straight right between the eyes. Thompson switches stances and immediately connects with a high kick. A snarling Pettis shakes off the blow and continues on.

MMAFighting scores it 10-9 Thompson

Round 2: Thompson picks up the second frame right where he left off as he threatens with a right high kick before attacking with his signature side kick. Pettis eats another high kick but responds with a straight right to the jaw. Pettis showing signs of damage as blood leaks from his mouth. Thompson relying heavily on his kicks now as he connects with a high, body and leg kick. Pettis responds with a series of lead leg kicks.

Halfway through the round now and Thompson continues to land at will on his durable opponent. Thompson finding a home for his right jab now as he lands three straight on the busted up nose of Pettis. Walking his opponent into the fence. Thompson lowers his hands, leaving himself open for an attack. Taking advantage of the window, Pettis unloads with a picture perfect superman punch square on the chin of Thompson, sending him tumbling to the canvas The referee jumps in! Anthony Pettis knocks out Stephen Thompson!

Official result: Anthony Pettis def. Stephen Thompson via KO (superman punch) at 4:55 of Round 2