Shavkat Rakhmonov is set to take on Stephen Thompson at the upcoming UFC 296 event on December 16th. Rakhmonov made his first appearance in the UFC in 2020 at UFC 254. ‘Nomad’ has since maintained a spotless record in the promotion and holds notable victories over Geoff Neal and Neil Magny. Ahead of his clash against the karate specialist, Thompson, Rakhmonov has been training his wrestling skills against the Bellator welterweight champion!

In a video shared on social media, Rakhmonov can be seen wrestling Jason Jackson, the newly crowned welterweight champion from Bellator. And Rakhmonov’s demonstration of his incredible wrestling technique has left the fans in a frenzy. Let’s take a look at how the fans reacted!

Shavkat Rakhmonov slams Bellator welterweight champion

Rakhmonov entered the UFC with an undefeated record, and he has only added to his impressive resume since. He currently holds 4 submission victories in the UFC, highlighting his dangerous grappling credentials.

In the social media video, members of Shavkat Rakhmonov’s gym surround him as he wrestles Jason Jackson. The two engage in a back-and-forth to take each other down. However, Rakhmonov manages to stuff a takedown from Jackson, picks him up, and slams him down on the mat! The video has caused fans to draw comparisons between the skill levels of fighters from Bellator and the UFC. 

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Here’s how the fans reacted:

Fans claimed that Bellator is an inferior league to the UFC

Well obviously? It’s been proven for years that Bellator is the B league and people from the UFC can leave and just become champs there 

Some criticized Jackson’s technique as well

Shooting with zero setup

Other fans pointed out the difference in skill level

There’s levels

Jake Paul Announces PFL Acquiring Bellator In Mega Business Move

Some showed concern for Rakhmonov’s upcoming opponent

That guy was vicious his last fight & stuffed many takedowns, & Shavkat took him down, Wonderboy why take fight?

While others showed their support for Thompson instead

The scenes when WB knocks him out with a spinning wheel kick (I’m a huge WB fan don’t hate on me)

Fans asserted that the UFC surpasses Bellator as a ‘major’ league.

Major league to minor league

And others were more level-headed in their response

Y’all saying levels not realizing Jackson got taken down by Amosov too he’s not a wrestler he’s a power puncher I’d assume the guy who’s better at wrestling can slam someone in a wrestling match no matter what “levels”

Many fans argue that the UFC compared to Bellator is a higher tier, emphasizing the perceived difference in skill levels. There are also comments questioning Jackson’s readiness and suggesting he might need a break. Overall, the sentiment reflects a belief in the superiority of the UFC over Bellator.

However, Rakhmonov’s next opponent, Thompson, understands the challenge he faces but has also made an interesting revelation about why he took this fight!

‘Wonderboy’ is aiming for a title-shot-worthy performance against Rakhmonov

In an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, ‘Wonderboy’ revealed more about his thought process going into this matchup. Thompson originally desired a bout with Kamaru Usman, but with the matchup unavailable, Rakhmonov, known for defeating ranked opponents, became a fitting choice.

He stated, “He’s that good, undefeated, I think he has a 100 percent finish rate, so what better guy to go out there and show the world and the UFC that I deserve a title shot by fighting this guy?”

Thompson, a two-time welterweight title challenger, understands the need to chase the younger fighter due to Rakhmonov’s impressive 17-0 record. And he has acknowledged that Rakhmonov’s wrestling skills will prove a significant obstacle in his pursuit of victory. He revealed, “…But where I feel like he’s going to win the fight is going to be getting me to the ground.”

Acknowledging Rakhmonov’s wrestling skills, Thompson aims to showcase his worthiness for a title shot. A victory in this matchup could propel Thompson into contention for the UFC welterweight title.

Do you think Stephen Thompson will be able to prevail against the undefeated Rakhmonov? Why or Why not? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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