The MMA world is buzzing with pleasure as two welterweight titans, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson and Shavkat Rakhmonov, have formally inked their names into the UFC 296 combat card. This high-stakes conflict is about to detonate in Las Vegas on December sixteenth, and combat followers, you gained’t need to miss a second of this action-packed occasion!
Welterweight Showdown: Rakhmonov vs. Thompson
In a blockbuster announcement, Stephen Thompson, the previous title challenger, revealed the thrilling information on his social media. UFC CEO Dana White adopted swimsuit by confirming this epic matchup, setting the stage for a welterweight battle that guarantees fireworks.
Rakhmonov’s Spectacular Streak
Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated welterweight sensation with a outstanding 17-0 MMA file and a formidable 5-0 UFC run, is raring so as to add one other win to his tally. His final look in 2023 noticed him safe a shocking victory over Geoff Neal at UFC 285 in March, the place he cinched victory with a standing rear-naked choke. Initially slated to return at Noche UFC on September sixteenth towards Kelvin Gastelum, Rakhmonov confronted an unlucky flip of occasions when Gastelum withdrew as a consequence of damage. Regardless of the setback, Rakhmonov stays unbeaten in his MMA journey, ending all 5 of his UFC opponents since becoming a member of the promotion in 2020.
Thompson’s Unfinished Enterprise
On the flip facet, Stephen Thompson (17-6-1 MMA, 12-6-1 UFC) is raring to make his mark in 2023. The 40-year-old MMA maestro was primed for a showdown with Brazil’s Michel Pereira at UFC 291 in late August, however Pereira’s weight miss by three kilos led to Thompson opting out of the combat at a catchweight. Thompson’s final memorable efficiency in December resulted in a TKO victory over Kevin Holland, incomes them Combat of the Night time honours. This triumph additionally snapped Thompson’s two-fight dropping streak, marking his resurgence within the welterweight division.
A Stellar Lineup for UFC 296
This welterweight showdown is only one piece of the action-packed puzzle that’s UFC 296. The present lineup boasts:
Champ Leon Edwards vs. Colby Covington – The principle occasion, a welterweight title conflict.
Champ Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Royval – A battle for the flyweight title.
Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Stephen Thompson – A welterweight collision of epic proportions.
Paddy Pimblett vs. Tony Ferguson – A tantalizing matchup that includes rising stars.
Keep glued to your screens because the countdown to UFC 296 begins. This occasion guarantees to ship unforgettable moments, jaw-dropping motion, and the crowning of champions. Witness historical past within the making on December sixteenth! 💥🥋🔥