“Puts it together very well,” Stephen Thompson breaks down fighting style of Shavkat Rakhmonov; compares him to an MMA legend

Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson analyses Shavkat Rakhmonov's fight game and compares his style to that of MMA legend Rory MacDonald.

“Puts it together very well,” Stephen Thompson breaks down fighting style of Shavkat Rakhmonov; compares him to an MMA legend

Stephen Thomson compares Shavkat Rakhmonov's fighting style to Rory MacDonald (via MMA Fighting/ YouTube)

In the run-up to UFC 296 and the welterweight championship battle between Leon Edwards and Colby Covington, seasoned veteran Stephen Thompson discusses his next fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov. Thompson, a well-known welterweight fighter, recently spoke with Submission Radio about his experiences.

Thompson is the best regarding his striking ability and tactical approach inside the cage. He has spent hours dissecting Shavkat Rakhmonov’s fighting style. In the interview, he gave a brief summary of his fighting style and the things he does. Thompson noted that Rakhmonov is good everywhere and compared him to MMA icon Rory MacDonald. This is what he had to say:

What makes him good isn’t the fact that he’s got good striking or good grappling, but he is able to put it together very well, so to speak. Kinda brings me back to the Rory MacDonald vibes when i fought him. You know, he was great everywhere.
Stephen Thompson via Submission Radio
YouTube video

Stephen Thompson has competed in the sport for quite some time. The experienced fighter’s statements not only foreshadow his bout with Rakhmonov but also demonstrate the intellectual aspect of mixed martial arts. Understanding an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses is critical to success.

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The excitement for UFC 296 has reached a fever pitch. Thompson’s decision to meet Rakhmonov at this point in their careers adds a dimension of significance to the fight. MMA fans are excited to see how the collision of styles plays out in the welterweight class.

Stephen Thompson vs. Rory McDonald: The clash of titans

The main event of UFC Fight Night 89 on June 18, 2016, between Stephen Thompson and Rory MacDonald promised fireworks. This event combined two excellent fighters with contrasting fighting styles. The stakes were high, as Thompson’s victory would give him a championship chance.

A look back at the legendary fight between Stephen Thompson vs. Rory MacDonald
A look back at the legendary fight between Stephen Thompson vs. Rory MacDonald (via Bleacher Report)

Thompson’s devastating striking was on display in the opening two rounds, with MacDonald being cautious not to overextend. The early rounds resembled a strategic chess match, with each combatant looking for openings. As the battle entered the third and fourth rounds, MacDonald pushed forward, landing blows and absorbing Thompson’s counterattack.

Rory MacDonald landed left hooks and body kicks in the decisive fifth round. Despite Thompson’s excellent responses, MacDonald drew guard in an attempt to establish dominance. However, Thompson’s defense remained solid, and the battle ended. Thompson received a unanimous verdict from the judges, with scores of 50-45, 50-45, and 48-47 favoring his ranged kicking style.

The bout between Stephen Thompson and Rory MacDonald at UFC bout Night 89 was a smart and strategic duel that shaped both fighters’ careers. Thompson’s victory catapulted him into the spotlight, while MacDonald’s UFC career was filled with uncertainty and eventual dismissal from the UFC.

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