Rakhmonov: “I’m glad that I managed to finish the fight with Thompson ahead of schedule”

Undefeated Kazakh welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov commented on the victory over the ex-title challenger American Stephen Thompson at the UFC 296 tournament in Las Vegas.

“Hello, Kazakhstan! Yesterday in my homeland, in Kazakhstan, there was a big holiday, Independence Day. I would like to congratulate my country. Stephen is a very tough competitor. I'm glad I was able to finish the fight ahead of schedule. I believe that now I am worthy to fight for the belt,” Rakhmonov said in an interview after the fight.

Let us remember that Rakhmonov forced Thompson to surrender after a choke hold at the end of the second round. The 40-year-old veteran lost by submission for the first time.