Hot questions for Nashville

After a hectic trip to London last weekend, the UFC is back in the US for Saturday's UFC fight card on ESPN + 6, which will take place in Nashville.

In the main event, Stephen Thompson, former two-time welterweight title challenger, welcomes former lightweight champion Anthony Pettis in the 170-pound division. And judging by Pettis' behavior during his pre-fight talks, he feels like a different fighter and is eager to test himself at the top of the division.

Curtis Blaydes hopes to retain his top 10 in the heavyweight category against Justin Willis, who is looking to be in the top 15.

The UFC on ESPN + 6 takes place at Bridgestone Arena. The event is fully broadcast on ESPN +.

Here are seven hot questions about the fight card.

1. Can Stephen Thompson stay in the title mix?

Thompson won just one win in four fights, but in his own way he is not far off for a third UFC welterweight shot. Leave Thompson, # 5 in the US TODAY'S HUI Sports / MMA Junkie The MMA welterweight rankings, explains his thinking.

"With a new champion, I knew my career would be better," Thompson told MMA Junkie. "Nobody wants to see Thompson versus Woodley 3, and I've figured that out a bit. I should have another two or three fights before I even get that shot again. This, now that we have a new champion, will go up faster.

"The division has changed dramatically since the last time I fought. With a new champion, Darren Till was knocked out by a guy I already beat (Jorge Masvidal). It's in the air. I'm ranked # 4 for the moment, so one of us could still fight for this title. "

Thompson is right, but in fact, the UFC might hesitate to give someone who has already had two cracks in the title over the past two years another chance to win gold as quickly. This means that Thompson will likely need a series of impressive wins before being booked for another title fight. He has his first opportunity to plead against Pettis in Nashville.