UFC 296 is upon us.
On the main card is a welterweight matchup between top ranked contenders Shavkat Rakhmonov and Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. Both men will look to make their case for a title shot with a win in Las Vegas, Nevada. The main card feature takes place from T-Mobile Arena.
Round 1:
Rakhmonov applies the pressure to Thompson. Rakhmonov clinches up with him against the cage. They exchange knees to the body. Thompson isn’t able to escape this losing position.
Rakhmonov goes for a takedown up against the cage. He grabs ‘Wonderboy’s leg but he stays upright, managing to stay on his feet. Rakhmonov knee’s Thompson while holding him in the clinch. Thompson finds separation and lands a kick. Thompson fires a body kick. They don’t engage for the rest of the round.
Round 2:
Thompson lands a sidekick. Thompson fires a right hand and then a kick. Rakhmonov rushes Thompson, getting him in the clinch in pursuit of a takedown. Rakhmonov is on Thompson like glue.
Rakhmonov secures a takedown after grabbing Thompson’s leg. Rakmonov lands punches while having Thompson’s back. Rakhmonov goes for a rear-naked choke which looks very tight. But, Thompson refuses to tap and finds a way out of the submission.
Rakmonov lands strikes from top and attempts a Kimora, which is defended by Thompson. Rakhmonov chips away with short punches on the ground. Rakmonov grabs ahold of Thompson’s back once again, attempting a rear-naked choke. The second time’s the charm as Rakhmonov forces Thompson to tap out with just five seconds left on the clock.
Official result: Shavkat Rakhmonov defeats Stephen Thompson by submission (rear-naked choke) in round 2 (4:56)
Check out the highlights below:
Tenacious D by Wonderboy's side for this one! 🎸 #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/vuqcW5fRpK
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
18-0 FOR SHAVKAT!!
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023
🇰🇿@Rakhmonov1994 gets the tap from Wonderboy and keeps his perfect finish rate intact 🔥 #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/2G9H3UZA33
The respect from Wonderboy post-fight 👏👏👏 #UFC296 pic.twitter.com/kYeeiMoj5T
— UFC (@ufc) December 17, 2023