A matchup between Anthony Pettis and Stephen Thompson is looking more and more likely.

What started as a random social media callout has quickly evolved into a pairing that has the interest of everyone involved. Now it just comes down to sorting the details.

On the surface it seems like a tough assignment for former UFC lightweight champ Pettis (21-8 MMA, 8-7 UFC), who has fought as low as featherweight and would be moving up to the welterweight division to take on two-time title challenger Thompson (14-3-1 MMA, 9-3-1 UFC). His team apparently is confident in Pettis’ chances against “Wonderboy,” though.

That’s likely because experience is on the side of Roufusport coaching staff.

Thompson is known to be one of the most puzzling foes to face inside the octagon. His karate background makes him a tough riddle to solve, but it has been done with success before. Coach Duke Roufus was in the corner of 170-pound champ Tyron Woodley for his two title defenses against Thompson at UFC 205 in November 2016 and UFC 209 in March 2017, so he’s comfortable in the position.

Although Pettis has a vastly different fighting style from Woodley, Roufus thinks his “playbook and experience” for Thompson would be beneficial for the hypothetical fight (via Instagram):

One of my Favorite Pictures and Wins for @twooodley vs Wonder Boy because everyone said you couldn’t. I am grateful for my father teaching & coaching me Karate, Tae Kwon Do and old school PKA Full Contact Karate/American Kickboxing. I also competed in Sport Karate from age 6-18 years old along with numerous years of being a nationally ranked fighter. My 1st 4 years of Kickboxing Fights were under American Kickboxing Rules and my oldest brother Rick is one Of the greatest Champions ever in that rule Style. I am excited to test our Martial Arts Skill Sets @showtimepettis I got your back with the play book and experience

Pettis last competed at UFC 229 in October and lost a “Fight of the Year” candidate against Tony Ferguson. Thompson hasn’t seen action since falling short in a competitive decision against Darren Till at UFC Fight Night 130 in May.

“Wonderboy” suffered a knee injury in the matchup and has been recovering ever since. He was seeking a return to action against Robbie Lawler in the first quarter of this year, but the former UFC welterweight champ was instead matched up with Ben Askren.

With Thompson looking for a new opponent, Pettis perfectly timed his callout, and now things appear to be trending in the right direction.

For more on the upcoming UFC schedule, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.