“Wonderboy” Stephen Thompson is set to fight undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 296 and believes that his ability to defeat Rakhmonov, a potential future welterweight champion, could earn him a title shot.
Stephen Thompson is very clear about his strategy to achieve success in the UFC: to fight and win against higher-ranking opponents. He’s set to face Shavkhat Rakhmonov, a.k.a. “Wonderboy,” unbeaten with a 17-0 record, in the upcoming UFC 296. Thompson confessed that he didn’t know much about Rakhmonov until recently. Rakhmonov has an impressive record since his UFC debut in 2020, defeating all five his opponents, including top-ranking welterweights Geoff Neal and Neil Magny. In a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Thompson discussed how he decided to fight against Rakhmonov, who ranks 4th, ahead of Thompson at 8th, after initially turning down the opportunity early in 2022.
According to Thompson, his preference was to fight Kamaru Usman, who had called him out. However, the UFC already had plans for Usman, so Thompson then set his sights “on someone ranked above him”. He said, “I know he was supposed to fight [Kelvin] Gastelum, which I think Gastelum [withdrew due to a] cut, so he didn’t have anybody. I saw him on social media, I know he’s ranked above me, and it just worked out for the both of us.” Thompson also revealed that almost a year-and-a-half ago, he was unaware of who Rakhmonov was when the UFC originally suggested a bout between them. Over time, Thompson got to know Rakhmonov’s caliber as he watched him fight and defeat tough opponents such as Geoff Neal and Neil Magny.
Thompson, who has previously fought for the welterweight title twice, has often faced competitors who rank below him. His record stands at a 4-5 since his second fight with Tyron Woodley. Despite the high calibre of his opponents, this performance has left him outside the championship picture. As he observes Rakhmonov’s buzz-generating performance, Thompson admits he understands why he must now work to surpass the younger fighter in the rankings. Despite the risks of facing Rakhmonov, whose outstanding wrestling skills have given other fighters problems, Thompson is preparing to give it his all in the face-off.
Stephen Thompson’s stratergy for the upcoming fight is clear, “No. 1, defend the takedown, keep the fight standing. He’s a very dangerous striker, but I feel like he’s kind of basic when it comes to the striking, he doesn’t change a whole lot…” Thompson believes that Rakhmonov creative, unpredictable ground game will be the real challenge, a challenge that he’s ready to gracefully tackle also sharing, “He’s going to be trying to shoot, trying to get me to the ground, or at least look for a guillotine or D’Arce…” Despite recognizing his opponent’s formidable tactics, Thompson remains undeterred and resolute in his determination to win.