The UFC, yet again, has announced some significant fights. It is coming off the news that three title fights will happen before the year ends. In addition, the UFC has revealed even more contests that will occur before the end of the year. Many fan favourites, including Stephen Thompson, will square off before the end of 2023.
Stephen Thompson Vs Shavkat Rakhmonov- UFC 296
Thompson has been around in the UFC for what feels like forever, and fans worldwide love him. His striking is a joy to watch whenever he steps into the octagon. Furthermore, his personality comes across well to the fans. Thompson has done it all in the UFC except win a title, and as he is at the latter stages of his career, every fight matters. At UFC 296, he will take on rising star Shavkat Rakhmonov as he looks to make a statement win.
Rakhmonov is a beast of a fighter who is incredible, whether striking or grappling, wherever the fight goes. He’s coming off a victory against Geoff Neil, proving he was a top contender in a stack division. A win over Thompson would be the most significant victory of his career and put him in line for a title shot.
Deiveson Figueiredo Vs Rob Font- December 2nd
Deiveson Figueiredo is a former flyweight champion and will make his bantamweight debut against Rob Font on the 2nd of December. Figueiredo is an incredibly talented fighter who is very well-rounded. He has a professional record of 21-3-1 with 17 finishes. The Brazilian was a massive flyweight, and it seems there will be no problems with him moving up a weight class. It’ll be intriguing to see if the Brazilian fighter can replicate the same success, he had at 125.
On the other hand, Font is an incredible striker and has been a mainstay in the division’s top 10 for a long time. He is ranked seventh in the division and has a professional record of 20-7 with 13 finishes. Font will look to get back to winning ways after a disappointing defeat to Cory Sandhagen. He will defend his ranking in December and start a run to the title.
Paddy Pimblett Vs Tony Ferguson- UFC 296
Paddy Pimblett has taken the UFC by storm since moving from Cage Warriors. His entertaining personality has taken well with audiences, and he is supported wherever he goes. He’s coming off a controversial win against Jared Gorden. Pimblett will take on the former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson at UFC 296. It would be a massive victory if Pimblett were to pull it off. It would be a huge victory for the English fighter, propelling his career further.
The fight will be a must-win for Ferguson as he is currently on a massive losing streak. He has had a remarkable career in the UFC. Ferguson is known for his boxing and Jiu-Jitsu. He’s utilising those skills to try and produce outstanding performances inside the UFC octagon. He will look to capitalise on Pimblett’s popularity to get his career back on track.
It will be great to see all these fights unfold, and it is a tremendous way to end 2023.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
