Shavkat Rakhmonov (image via YouTube/UFC)

By FCF Staff

The UFC continues to book fights for the remainder of its 2023 schedule, as recently it was announced that Shavkat Rakmonov will battle Stephen Thompson and that Tony Ferguson will face Paddy Pimblett.

The match-ups will be part of UFC 296, which is taking place on December 16th in Las Vegas, Nevada. UFC President Dana White announced the fights via social media.

Rakmonov (17-0) is coming off a submission win over Geoff Neal in March. While the longtime, welterweight contender Stephen Thompson (17-6-1) hasn’t fought since December when he recorded a TKO win over Kevin Holland.

The former interim lightweight champ Ferguson (25-9) has lost six straight and was choked out by Bobby Green in July.

Pimblett (20-3) hasn’t competed since December he recorded a tightly contested, decision victory over Jared Gordon.

UFC 296 will be hosted by the T-Mobile Arena.