“Just along for the ride,” Stephen Thompson expects Ian Garry, Colby Covington and others to steal the show at a stacked UFC 296 press conference

UFC 296's press conference is set to sizzle with Colby Covington and Ian Garry's expected verbal clashes, while Stephen Thompson plans a more relaxed presence amidst welterweight showdowns.

“Just along for the ride,” Stephen Thompson expects Ian Garry, Colby Covington and others to steal the show at a stacked UFC 296 press conference

Stephen Thompson expects Ian Garry and Colby Covington to shine at UFC 296 press conference (Image via: IMAGO)

UFC 296 is one of the most anticipated fight cards of the year. Colby Covington and Leon Edwards headline the event. In addition, there are two other welterweight fights on the main card. Stephen Thompson takes on the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov in one fight. Ian Garry takes on Vicente Luque in the other. Stephen Thompson recently appeared on Submission Radio, where UFC 296 was the focal point of discussion.

Thompson knows that the fans expect the UFC 296 press conference to provide fireworks due to the presence of Colby Covington and Ian Garry. Thompson is also of the same opinion. He shared his plans at the press conference on Submission Radio. This is what he plans to do at the event.

That's how it's going to be, I think, at the UFC 296 press conference. I'm just going to be along for the ride, me and Shavkat, just smiling and just hanging out.
Stephen Thompson via Submission Radio
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Ian Garry’s recent controversy regarding his marriage will surely become a topic of discussion at the UFC 296 press conference. He has already criticized Covington. Many, including the likes of Chael Sonnen and Henry Cejudo, have already said that Covington will verbally attack Garry on the stage.

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However, Thompson is no stranger to witnessing such situations. He has fought on the undercard of a Conor McGregor PPV twice in his career, at UFC 205 and UFC 264. Thompson expects Ian Garry and Colby Covington to steal the show at the press conference. Moreover, he plans to chill out with his opponent, Shavkat Rakhmonov, who, like Thompson, does not trash talk. Rakhmonov is undefeated in the UFC and is a big betting favorite for the fight.

Stephen Thompson expects Leon Edwards to defend the welterweight title at UFC 296

In a recent interview on Submission Radio, Stephen Thompson predicted a second title defense for Leon Edwards. MMA maths do not always work, but Thompson did the same as clarification for the pick.

Colby Covington and Leon Edwards headline UFC 296
Colby Covington and Leon Edwards headline UFC 296 (via Imago)

Thompson said this about why Leon Edwards would defeat Colby Covington at UFC 296.

I just believe that, you know, if Usman can put Colby to sleep, or TKO him, break his jaw, Leon certainly can. He can defend the takedown, keep the fight standing, and possibly take Colby down. I mean, seeing what he did to Usman, who's the bigger, stronger fighter, I think he'll be able to do that with Colby.

Thompson believed Colby Covington was a smaller and weaker version of Kamaru Usman. Since Edwards defeated Usman handily at UFC 286, Thompson expects Edwards to do the same at UFC 296. Moreover, Thompson also has plans to call out Edwards if victorious against Shavkat Rakhmonov at the PPV.

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