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.
