In a surprising turn of events leading up to UFC 296, former welterweight title challenger Stephen “Wonder Boy” Thompson finds himself not only on the cusp of a significant showdown but also expecting some well-deserved back pay from the UFC. Thompson, renowned for his striking prowess and sportsmanship, is set to face the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov on December 16 in Las Vegas, promising fireworks inside the octagon.
The anticipation for this fight grew even more intriguing when fans learned about the back pay Thompson believes he is owed. This financial dispute traces its origins back to UFC 291, where Thompson was initially scheduled to battle Michel Pereira. However, things took an unexpected twist when Pereira tipped the scales at 174 pounds, three pounds over the welterweight limit. Despite Thompson successfully making weight at 170.5 pounds, he refused to proceed with the bout, rightfully expecting the UFC to honor his show money. Surprisingly, the payment never materialized.
Thompson’s optimism is now centered around UFC 296. He shares, “I do believe that they are going to – I think the deal is, when I fight Shavkat, they are going to add on what they owed me for the last fight.” The situation added a touch of humor when former UFC champion Chris Weidman playfully suggested that they might be bribing Thompson, to which he responded with a chuckle.
However, the road to the Rakhmonov fight was not without its complexities. Thompson’s interest in facing former champ Kamaru Usman after the fallout from UFC 291 was initially thwarted by the UFC, which repeatedly insisted that Usman had other plans. Then came the unexpected callout from rising star Ian Machado Garry after Garry’s impressive victory over Neil Magny at UFC 292. Thompson recalls, “I get a call from the UFC saying, ‘Hey, fight Ian Garry at MSG’ (UFC 295). I am like, ‘No, I am done fighting these guys that are ranked below me. Give me somebody that’s ranked above me.'”
Remarkably, the UFC heeded Thompson’s request, granting him the opportunity to face the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov, who boasts a 100 percent finish rate. The matchup poses a daunting challenge for Thompson, but it is one he eagerly accepts as he seeks to climb back into title contention.
“People are looking at this guy, undefeated, hundred percent finish rate. Nobody wants to fight this guy, so here I am,” Thompson affirmed. “I am like, you know, do I fight somebody ranked below me? Do I fight somebody ranked above me, probably one of the toughest guys in the division who nobody wants to fight? I will fight Shavkat. Let’s do it. Let’s make it happen.”
Thompson’s ambition is clear. He believes that if he can defeat Rakhmonov at UFC 296, it should position him for another shot at the welterweight title, especially if Rakhmonov emerges victorious in his next bout against Leon Edwards or Colby Covington.
As the MMA world eagerly awaits this thrilling clash between two exceptional fighters, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Stephen Thompson can not only secure his back pay but also claim a well-deserved shot at UFC gold once again.
Stephen Thompson’s journey is nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with unexpected twists and turns. His determination to hold the UFC accountable for his show money and his insistence on facing opponents who truly test his mettle are testaments to his character and his championship aspirations. The showdown against Shavkat Rakhmonov promises to be a defining moment in Thompson’s career, and it’s a fight fans won’t want to miss. The welterweight division is heating up, and Thompson’s resurgence adds another layer of excitement to the mix.
