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Amid the electrifying showdowns at UFC 296, one warrior's triumph stood out not just for his dominant win but for the sheer courage displayed in the face of adversity.
Shavkat Rakhmonov's victorious rear-naked choke against seasoned veteran Stephen Thompson left the MMA world in awe, but the true tale of his triumph goes far beyond the Octagon heroics.
Rakhmonov, the undefeated Kazakh welterweight sensation, revealed a stunning revelation post-fight: a severe ankle injury, a torn ligament sustained six weeks before the showdown, threatened to sabotage his dream bout against Thompson.
In a heart-to-heart through a translator on the UFC post-fight show, Rakhmonov confessed,
“I had a very serious injury and I was even close to pulling out from the fight, but I decided to risk it all, and that’s why I didn’t kick it with my legs, just used my knees. But thanks God, I got the victory.”
The Kazakh warrior's resilience was on full display throughout the fight as he limped through the contest, strategically altering his approach by avoiding leg kicks and relying on knee strikes. His tenacity and determination led to a historical moment, being the first to submit Thompson in his illustrious 13-year MMA career.
Rakhmonov's ascent in the UFC's welterweight division has been nothing short of spectacular. With an unblemished 18-0 record, he boasts a perfect 6-0 run in the octagon, showcasing his dominance with six consecutive finishes against high-caliber opponents.
After securing yet another impressive victory, Rakhmonov boldly declared his desire to vie for the UFC welterweight title. His unwavering spirit and commitment echoed in his words:
“Whatever injury [I have], you know I’m going to fight to my last blood, until the last sip of blood, because I have to get a win.”
The UFC 296 event at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas witnessed not only the remarkable victory of Rakhmonov but also the reigning champion welterweight Leon Edwards successfully defending his title against Colby Covington via unanimous decision in the main event. As Rakhmonov eyes his ascent to the championship throne, his unwavering resolve in the face of adversity has etched an indelible mark in UFC history.