Unbeaten fighter Shavkat Rahmonov faces potential defeat at the hands of Stephen Thompson, who expresses readiness for the match
Fight Night Preview: Stephen Thompson Takes On Rising Star Shavkat Rakhmonov
Get ready for a red-hot welterweight showdown as veteran striker Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson (No.6 current ranking, 17-6) squares off against undefeated finisher Shavkat "Plovdiv" Rakhmonov (No.5, 17-0).The UFC 296 main card goes down on December 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Stephen Thompson is eager to prove he can still contend for a championship fight by facing the tournament's most dangerous competitors, including Rakhmonov. Thompson expressed, "Everyone I've fought recently was ranked lower than me, so fighting Shavkat is great. Everyone says he’s the next one to win the title, so maybe this fight is the best way to prove to everyone that I can still reach the title."
As he prepares for the anticipated bout, Thompson recognizes Rakhmonov's all-round abilities but firmly believes he has the upper hand: "I've faced guys like him before. It’s going to be very tough for him. I'm not going for a knockout, I'm just imagining my hand being raised at the end of the fight. Everyone I've fought is worried about my style because I'm such a puzzle with my angles, different techniques, and stance changes. He'll have to be on guard at all times."
While Thompson's extensive resume cannot be ignored, Rakhmonov might be the favorite in this matchup, although not everyone shares that sentiment. Two-division UFC champion Alexander "The Great" Volkanovski (Australia, 26-3) insists fans take a chance on the veteran:
"People will think I'm crazy, but I'm leaning towards Stephen Thompson. I just think stylistically it could be very uncomfortable for Rakhmonov. I want to back Thompson because he's the underdog in this fight. You can make big money on this just because you don't even have to bet on a finish or anything."
Enrichment Data:
Line at a Glance:
Based on Rakhmonov's grappling domination, pressure, and youth / Thompson's striking mastery and early knockout potential, if booked, Rakhmonov would likely enter as a -300 to -400 favorite.
Key Factors Favoring Rakhmonov:
- Grappling Dominance
- Pressure Fighting
- Youth and Momentum
Thompson's Path to Victory:
- Striking Masterclass
- Early Knockout
Don't miss this must-see welterweight battle on December 16th as "Wonderboy" and Rakhmonov put their talents on display!
- Fans are encouraged to watch the welterweight bout between Stephen Thompson and Shavkat Rakhmonov, as Thompson aims to prove he can still contend for a championship fight in mixed-martial-arts sports.
- Thompson highlights Rakhmonov's challenges in dealing with his unique striking techniques, angles, and stance changes, a puzzle that has troubled many of his opponents in the past.
- Despite Rakhmonov's grappling dominance, pressure fighting, and youth advantage, two-division UFC champion Alexander Volkanovski predicts an uncomfortable match for Rakhmonov due to Thompson's striking mastery and early knockout potential.
- Based on Rakhmonov's abilities and Thompson's reaching for the title, this welterweight fight promises to be an exciting clash in the world of mixed-martial-arts.
