Stephen Thompson will be taking on rising star, Shavkat Rakhmonov, at UFC 296. Thompson, known as ‘Wonderboy’ for his incredible striking skills, is looking to secure a win against the surging Rakhmonov to get another shot at the UFC welterweight title. His previous attempts at the belt against champion Tyron Woodley at UFC 205 and UFC 209 ended in disappointment as he only managed to secure a draw and lost the 2nd fight via a majority decision.

Thompson comes from a karate background and holds an incredible record in kickboxing, both as an amateur, and a professional. Ahead of his fight with Rakhmonov, let’s explore his accolades and skills in the martial arts that have led to his incredible, highlight-reel-filled career!   

Thompson holds a black belt in Karate and American Kickboxing 

Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson was born on February 11, 1983, and is a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s welterweight division. Growing up in Simpsonville, South Carolina, he inherited his passion for martial arts from his father, Ray Thompson, a former professional kickboxer. His father is also his primary trainer and manager.

Introduced to martial arts at the age of three, Thompson quickly entered competitions, venturing into full-contact karate and kickboxing at just 15 years old. Before making a name in MMA, Wonderboy excelled as a professional kickboxer. His kickboxing record stands at an impressive 59-0 with 1 no contest and no losses!

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With black belts in Kempo Karate and American Kickboxing and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Thompson’s talent and work ethic have rightfully earned him the moniker “Wonderboy.” And he has lived up to the name by having one of the most impressive highlight reels in MMA!

He trains under the renowned coach, Carlos Machado, in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, alongside his brother-in-law, former UFC middleweight champion, Chris Weidman. Thompson is known for bringing the karate style of striking to new heights in the UFC. He holds notable victories over fighters like Johnny Hendricks, Rory MacDonald, Jorge Masvidal, and Robert Whittaker!

And ahead of his clash with Rakhmonov, Thompson has stated that he believes his opponent would be looking to avoid a stand-up clash at all costs!

‘Wonderboy’ believes Shavkat Rakhmonov will not engage in a striking battle

“Wonderboy” faces a significant challenge at UFC 296 as he aims to defeat the highly-touted contender Shavkat Rakhmonov. The fight was set after a scheduled bout with Michel Pereira fell through, and the UFC refused to arrange a fight between Thompson and Kamaru Usman.

In a recent episode of Submission Radio, Thompson expressed a desire to face opponents ranked higher than him, considering his small window in the fight game. Recognizing that Rakhmonov is a favorite in the bout due to his strong wrestling base, Thompson expects the rising star will avoid engaging in a stand-up battle with him.  

Thompson emphasized, “Now, do I feel like Shavkat is going to stand there bang with me? I don’t think so. I think eventually he’s going to shoot. He’s going to shoot in and try to get the fight to the ground, obviously.”

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Rakhmonov is currently ranked No. 5, while Thompson holds the No. 6 spot in the welterweight division. Despite the difference in their age and Rakhmonov’s dangerous ground game, Thompson emphasized his preference for engaging in a battle, expressing that he would rather go out on his shield like a warrior. 

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