Shavkat Rakhmonov says he fought with a ‘very serious injury’ at UFC 296, nearly pulled out
Shavkat Rakhmonov was compromised heading into UFC 296.
Rakhmonov (18-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) submitted former title challenger Stephen Thompson (17-7-1 MMA, 12-7-1 UFC) on this past Saturday’s main card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, but was forced to change up his strategy.
In an interview with Laura Sanko, Rakhmonov was asked about tearing a major ligament in his ankle six weeks prior to the fight, which had the undefeated contender contemplating withdrawing from the fight.
“I had a very serious injury and I was even close to pulling out from the fight, but I decided to risk it all,” Rakhmonov said through an interpreter on the UFC post-fight show. “That’s why I didn’t kick it with my legs, just used my knees. But thank God, I got the victory.”
Rakhmonov, who was the biggest favorite of UFC 296. called for a title shot after maintaining his 100 percent finish rate. “Nomad” wasn’t concerned about being limited with his offense against Thompson, but hopes to enter his next fight fully healthy.
“Hopefully next time, with God’s willing, I’m going to be 100 percent,” Rakhmonov said. “But it doesn’t matter. Whatever injury, you know I’m going to fight to my last blood, until the last sip of blood, because I have to get a win.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 296.
Stephen Thompson, UFC 296
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Shavkat Rakhmonov, UFC 296
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Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Stephen Thompson, UFC 296
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MMA: UFC 296 - Rakhmonov vs Thompson
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Movie actor Jack Black during walk outs before a…
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Movie actor Jack Black during walk outs before a bout between Shavkat Rakhmonov (not pictured) and Stephen Thompson during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 296 - Rakhmonov vs Thompson
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) fights Stephen Thompson (blue gloves)…
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) fights Stephen Thompson (blue gloves) during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 296 - Rakhmonov vs Thompson
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) fights Stephen Thompson (blue gloves)…
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) fights Stephen Thompson (blue gloves) during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 296 - Rakhmonov vs Thompson
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) fights Stephen Thompson (blue gloves)…
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) fights Stephen Thompson (blue gloves) during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 296 - Rakhmonov vs Thompson
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) fights Stephen Thompson (blue gloves)…
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) fights Stephen Thompson (blue gloves) during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 296 - Rakhmonov vs Thompson
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) reacts after defeating Stephen Thompson…
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) reacts after defeating Stephen Thompson (blue gloves) during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 296 - Rakhmonov vs Thompson
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) talks to Stephen Thompson (blue…
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) talks to Stephen Thompson (blue gloves) after defeating him during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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MMA: UFC 296 - Rakhmonov vs Thompson
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) reacts after defeating Stephen Thompson…
Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) reacts after defeating Stephen Thompson (blue gloves) during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
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Shavkat Rakhmonov def. Stephen Thompson, UFC 296 Scorecard
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