18-0 Shavkat Rakhmonov’s CRAZY ankle injury days before UFC 296 revealed by coach

Shavkat Rakhmonov’s stunning victory at UFC 296 has taken on an even more incredible dimension. This comes with the revelation that the unbeaten welterweight struggled with a “very serious” ankle injury. Rakhmonov’s coach, Henri Hooft revealed that the Kazakh fighter tore a significant ligament in his ankle six weeks before the fight. This transformed an already amazing victory over Stephen Thompson into a monument to his tenacity and resolve.

Shavkat Rakhmonov managed to achieve a second-round rear-naked choke victory against Thompson despite suffering this injury. Rakhmonov’s coach shed light on the severity of his injuries and the game plan that needed to change because of that.

Henri Hooft says that Shavkat suffered his ankle injury 25 days before the fight & is why they decided to go grappling heavy vs Wonderboy

Spinnin Backfist via X

Even Rakhmonov himself stated about this injury in the UFC post-fight show via a translator. This is what he had to say:

I had a very serious injury, and I was even close to pulling out from the fight, but I decided to risk it all. That’s why I didn’t kick it with my legs, just used my knees. But thanks to God, I got the victory.

Shavkat Rakhmonov during the post fight show

This insight enhances Rakhmonov’s journey and will most likely be recognized as an essential turning point in his career. The Kazakh welterweight’s six-fight winning streak in the UFC, all of which ended in finishes, has propelled him to the top of the welterweight division.

[related-content]Related: “Submitted 40 year old karate teacher” – Fans sulk as Shavkat Rakhmonov finishes Stephen Thompson to extend streak to 18-0[/related-content]

Fight fans react to new revelation about Shavkat Rakhmonov’s injury

The news of Shavkat Rakhmonov’s serious ankle injury just 25 days before his UFC 296 fight against Stephen Thompson sparked a flood of emotions in the MMA community. Fans, combatants, and experts have chimed in on the revelation and how it altered the fight strategy versus Wonderboy.

Social media platforms were overflowing with fight fans’ reactions. Some supporters expressed respect and understanding for the strategic decision to concentrate on grappling versus Thompson. Others found it irritating when fighters mentioned injuries after a battle. Here are some reactions from fight fans:

Despite the conflicting views, fight fans agree that injuries are an unavoidable aspect of the sport. Fighters should be commended for their determination to compete despite physical setbacks.

In case you missed it:

• “Who wants to put a racist in a main event title fight?” Colby Covington wants Leon Edwards vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov as Belal Muhammad deemed not ‘PPV worthy’
• “Mumble in Borat language” – Shavkat Rakhmonov’s warning for Colby Covington ahead of UFC 296 riles up fans

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