Whittaker (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

One fight that has the potential for some compelling, edge-of-your-seat action at UFC 170, Saturday, is the welterweight scrap between Robert Whittaker and Stephen Thompson.

While Whittaker isn’t a multi, world champion kickboxer like Thompson is, he’s also a Karate black belt who’s recorded numerous stoppage wins. Case in point, Whittaker was awarded “Knockout of the Season” honors for the TUF “Smashes” competition, which he won in 2012. The 23 year-old also stopped Colton Smith at UFC 160, which was Whittaker’s second official bout.

Although Thompson’s striking skills are well documented, Whittaker recently relayed to the UFC that he plans to test his opponent’s stand-up abilities on February 22nd.

“Without a doubt his strength is his striking ability and his stand-up game; I think everybody knows that.  But I’m really looking forward to having a striking match with him.  Stephen Thompson is a great guy and I have a lot of respect for his ability and it should be a really good match.”

Whittaker (11-3) is coming off a split decision loss to Court McGee last August, and Thompson (8-1) will be looking to build on the stoppage win he scored over Chris Clements in September.