Joey Kolnicki

Last Saturday, two top 10 Lightweights faced off with a disappointing outcome. Unfortunately, this contributes to the consistent deadlock seen at the top of the 155 division. With Charles Oliveira contending for the belt again and Justin Gaethje the next likely contender, the rest of the division needs matchups to determine the next wave of title challengers. Today we'll look at 5 possible fights to be made at Lightweight. 

## #15 Diego Ferreira vs. #12 Jalin Turner

![ferreira1.jpeg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/c8e42f5c-aa6a-44af-02c1-e418ccc0d800/public "Diego Ferreira unloads a right hand on Mateusz Gamrot. Credit: MMA Fighting.")

Diego Ferreira is one of the most underappreciated fighters at Lightweight and has been battling top-ranked UFC contenders since 2014. From 2016 to 2020, he embarked on an impressive six-fight win streak that was capped off by a win over former UFC Lightweight champion Anthony Pettis. With six finishes, two Fight of the Night bonuses, and three Performance of the Night victories, he’s rarely in a boring fight. After a tough three-fight skid, Ferreira has bounced back with a KO win over Michael Johnson and has once again cracked the top 15. With no ranked wins since 2020, Ferreira isn’t ready to jump into the deep end and is best off facing someone close to him in the rankings.

![jturner1.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/1bf445fb-623e-49a9-8d08-9c5446cdbb00/public "Jalin Turner lands an elbow on Jamie Mullarkey. Credit: USA Today.")

 His perfect matchup is three spots ahead of him at #12: Jalin Turner. He has already faced four ranked opponents in ten fights with the promotion and has amassed six finish victories. An enormous Lightweight at 6’3 with a well-rounded skillset, he provides problems for anyone he faces. He first reached the rankings following a five-fight win streak from 2020 to 2022 but has since suffered two consecutive losses. With both men needing a ranked victory and a possessing a penchant for finishes, this would likely turn into an all-out war. With 155 somewhat deadlocked at the top, the division would massively benefit from fresh contenders, and either would fill that role nicely. 

## #9 Dan Hooker vs. #13 Renato Moicano

![hooker1.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/25e80307-5d49-495e-8974-583320beb800/public "Dan Hooker lands a knee on Nasrat Haqparast. Credit: MMA Fighting.")

Dan Hooker has consistently proved to be one of the most exciting and willing fighters in the Lightweight division. He has faced the best, with six fights against fighters in the top 5 of their respective weight classes. Training at one of the premier gyms in MMA in City Kickboxing, he’s known for his brutal striking style, particularly his devastating knees and elbows in the clinch. After a tough run from 2020-2022, winning just one bout and losing four, Hooker is now riding a two-fight win streak. Rapidly approaching his tenth year in the promotion, he’s still inside the Lightweight top ten at #9 and needs to pick up ranked wins to keep climbing the ladder. His safest and best bet would be another veteran contender looking to climb up, and Renato Moicano is the perfect option. He is similarly coming up on a decade in the UFC and has faced nothing but top talent in his promotional tenure.

![moicano1 (1).jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/a29bfe67-2736-4d3d-4e64-825400d0da00/public "Renato Moicano lands a stiff right on Calvin Kattar. Credit: MMA Mania.")

Unlike Hooker, he does most of his work on the mat and possibly has the best rear-naked choke in the sport, finding all ten career submissions with an RNC. Moicano has rounded out his game significantly over the years and most recently pulled off a victory over seasoned striker Brad Riddell, earning himself the #12 spot at Lightweight. Both fighters have oddly similar career paths despite their vastly different fighting styles; both entered the promotion in 2014, spent time at Featherweight, moved up, and are now in their early 30s, looking to make a serious run at the title. Neither has the quality of wins to get launched into a top-five fight yet, but both are solid enough names that either would benefit from a win over the other. No matter who wins this matchup, it would significantly boost and place them closer to the title picture. 

## #7 Rafael Fiziev vs. #8 Arman Tsarukyan

![fiziev3.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/e9c62560-05a6-436e-6411-7d93df818500/public "Rafael Fiziev lands a kick on Justin Gaethje. Credit: MMA Fighting.")

Rafael Fiziev is one of the sport's most technical, dangerous strikers and has quickly made a name for himself in the UFC. Already the recipient of three Performance of the Night bonuses and three Fight of the Night bonuses, he has established himself as one of the most entertaining fighters in the division. After a loss in his debut, he would go on a 6-fight win streak with three KOs and skyrocketed up the rankings, ultimately being rewarded with a bout against top-contender Justin Gaethje. Despite losing the bout, Fiziev showed he deserves to be at the top and can go with anybody. Now nursing a knee injury suffered in his fight with Mateusz Gamrot, his timetable for a return is unknown, but he will probably have to fight down in the rankings next.

![tsarukyan1.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/c48dcd73-03e7-4f0a-9ae6-2c4510189500/public "Arman Tsarukyan rains down ground and pound on Joaquim Silva. Credit: MMA Fighting.")

Thankfully for him, there is an excellent matchup in the man right behind him, Arman Tsarukyan. He was thrown directly into the fire from the start, facing now-champion Islam Makhachev in his debut, but would lose a hard-fought decision. Since this loss, he’s gone 7-1 in the promotion and has finished three of his last five opponents. At the ripe age of 26, Tsarukyan is constantly improving and evolving, always adding new skills to his arsenal. While they’re technically trending in opposite directions, with Fiziev on a two-fight losing streak and Tsarukyan on a two-fight winning streak, this is the perfect time for this matchup. Tsarukyan must prove he can hang with elite-level strikers, while Fiziev would greatly benefit from a win over a strong grappler. With both seeming to need one win to crack open the title picture, this would be a massive matchup for both men.

## #6 Mateusz Gamrot vs. #5 Michael Chandler

![gamrot1.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/3eca059e-451e-485e-00a8-faf7c7852b00/public "Mateusz Gamrot floors Scott Holtzman with a right hand. Credit: MMA Fighting.")

In just two years, Mateusz Gamrot has risen to the top of the Lightweight division with excellent wrestling and efficient striking. After reigning as the Lightweight champion in the Polish promotion KSW for over four years, he made his way to the UFC. Following a debut loss to Guram Kutateladze, he’d find victory in six of his next seven bouts, winning Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses twice, respectively. Gamrot has never been finished and makes every fight competitive to the very end, suffering just two losses in over ten years. Due to his risk-averse style and regular decision victories, he’s never quite gotten a victory significant enough to get him into the top five. Fortunately, just above him is Michael Chandler, who does not have a fight scheduled, regardless of what Dana White will have you believe.

![chandler1.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/660c6845-93e2-4830-3621-f1cee27c9300/public "Michael Chandler finishes Dan Hooker off with ground and pound. Credit: MMA Fighting.")

One of the few promotional stars who made their name outside the UFC, he was a multiple-time Bellator Lightweight champion with multiple legendary fights under Scott Coker’s banner. After over a decade outside of it, he joined the UFC in 2021 and has been a massive factor at Lightweight since. After a wild debut victory over Dan Hooker, Chandler was thrown directly into a title fight with Charles Oliveira, which he lost by second-round TKO after nearly finishing Oliveira in the first round. With a 2-3 record in the promotion, Chandler needs to prove he belongs in the top five but has to fight outside of it, making Gamrot the perfect option. With incredibly similar skills and career paths, this is a mirror match on paper. Often, when fighters are even skill-wise, fights turn into wars, and that’s precisely what I’d expect in this matchup. 

## #4 Beneil Dariush vs. #3 Dustin Poirier

![dariush2.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/32235b0e-2a46-4af6-eef2-272d69e6cb00/public "Beneil Dariush launches a kick at Mateusz Gamrot. Credit: MMA Fighting.")

Beneil Dariush has quietly amassed one of the best records in the Lightweight division, having never lost back-to-back and going on an impressive eight-fight win streak from 2018 to 2022. Despite being in the UFC since 2014, he didn’t truly step into his own until 2018 and has proven to be an exceptionally well-rounded fighter. Holding black belts in Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he’s dangerous anywhere and at all times. To back up his 16 promotional victories (3rd most ever at Lightweight), he has four Performance of the Night bonuses and one Fight of the Night bonus to his name. Despite his numerous accolades, he’s yet to fight for a title and is coming off a loss to #1 contender Charles Oliveira. His biggest detraction currently is a lack of big names on his resume, and Dustin Poirier, one of the biggest names in the sport, let alone the Lightweight division, needs a matchup.

![poirier2 (1).jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/ecc17c7a-b6aa-4423-19a9-9f236c4af600/public "Dustin Poirier rocks Conor McGregor with a right hand. Credit: NBC News.")

 One of the most popular and credentialed fighters in UFC history, Poirier has fought and largely defeated the best of the best. In his over 12-year career in the promotion, he’s collected 8 Fight of the Night bonuses, 8 Performance of the Night bonuses, and 21 victories, the sixth most all time. He’s made it clear he’s not interested in fighting prospects at this stage in his career and has already faced every other member of the top five. With two losses in his last three outings, a big win could reinvigorate his title aspirations, and he won’t find that outside the very top of the division. With both men at 34 years old, now is the time to push for the belt, and a win in this matchup would put either fighter exactly where they need to be. 


Next 5 Fights to Make at Lightweight

Liam Lindsay

Petr Yan is slated to go head-to-head against Song Yadong in a Bantamweight clash. The fight is set to take place on December 9th in Shanghai, China, in the Mercedes-Benz Arena but this is not confirmed yet, per MMA Ecosystem, via Instagram.

**This bout is scheduled in the Bantamweight (135 lbs) division.**

Petr Yan, with a professional record of 16-5-0 (UFC 8-4), currently holds the #5 spot in the rankings. He has notable victories against Cory Sandhagen, Jose Aldo, and John Dodson.

Song Yadong, ranked #7 in the Bantamweight division, brings a record of 20-7-1 (UFC 9-2-1). He holds credible victories over Marlon Moraes, Ricky Simon, and Marlon Vera.

**Official odds have yet to be released.**

Petr Yan aims to rebound from tough decision losses to formidable opponents such as Aljamain Sterling, Sean O'Malley, and Merab Dvalishvili, losing two of his last three bouts via split decision. In his last bout, he was outpaced and outworked by Dvalishvili, ultimately losing a unanimous decision. A win in this bout is crucial for Yan, who will look to use his technical striking and grappling to secure a much-needed victory. 

![yanmerab.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/09c413f5-aa8a-4c0c-0959-bbff38f11300/pub "Petr Yan getting outgrappled Merab Dvalishvili. Credits to: Ron Chenoy - USA TODAY Sports.")

Song Yadong's last performance saw him dominate Ricky Simon with patient striking, ultimately securing a 5th-round TKO victory after securing two knockdowns. Now, Yadong aims to break into the top-5 of the division, as he will look to use his high-level boxing to claim the win over Yan.

![yadong-simon.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/ab87dd18-0020-4055-f260-a5b9f9962b00/pub "Song Yadong in his second UFC main event vs. Ricky Simon. Credits to: Jeff Botari - Zuffa LLC.")

This Bantamweight clash promises to be a high-stakes battle with significant implications for the rankings. As members of the Verdict Community, let us know your prediction in the comments below.

Song Yadong Headlines in Shanghai, Draws Former Champion Petr Yan

The first pay-per-view of 2024 is eagerly anticipated, and with the date slowly closing in, we're here today to discuss all the information we have about UFC 297, including the headliners and where it's going down.

## Location

According to Alex Behunin, the UFC is targeting a return to Toronto, Canada, for the first PPV of 2024. This would mark the UFC's seventh return to Toronto and the 33rd return to Canada.

Toronto has only hosted PPVs, which makes UFC 297 no exception. Toronto has had three regular headliners, with Max Holloway, Jon Jones, and Georges St-Pierre each headlining twice each. The likelihood of one of these fighters headlining this time is phenomenally slim.

![holloway-pettis.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/93e5ead2-893c-4a41-397a-156a5dbd0600/pub "Max Holloway and Anthony Pettis headlining UFC 206 in Toronto, Canada. Credits to: Associated Press.")

## Confirmed Fights

This event currently has no announced bouts, but keep checking this space as we learn more information about the card.

## Rumoured Bouts

While there are no confirmed bouts for the card, we can speculate who may fight on the card. With the year closing out with title matchups in the Flyweight, Lightweight, Welterweight, Light-Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions, it isn't very likely any of these divisions with headline the card. Furthermore, Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya just fought at UFC 293. Therefore, either the Featherweight or Bantamweight divisions will headline this card.

Both of these divisions have huge fights on their hands, with the Champion of Featherweight, Alexander Volkanovski, preparing to face undefeated rising star Ilia Topuria. And on the Bantamweight side, Sean O'Malley has already spoken about wishing to face Marlon Vera in a rematch at the start of 2024. It is plausible one of these fights will headline in Toronto.

Keep checking back here as we learn more information about UFC 297.

UFC 297 Date, Location, Rumors, Confirmed Fights and Betting Odds

Sean Brady is set to square off against Kelvin Gastelum on December 2nd, per HeauxDat via Twitter. The venue and location for this bout are yet to be disclosed.

**This bout is scheduled in the Welterweight (170 lbs) division.**

Sean Brady holds a professional record of 15-1 (UFC 5-1). Currently ranked #9 in the Welterweight division, Brady's resume includes notable victories over Michael Chiesa, Jake Matthews, and Court McGee.

Kelvin Gastelum holds a record of 18-8-1NC (UFC 12-8-1NC) and is ranked #10 in the Middleweight division, with notable wins over Chris Curtis, Michael Bisping, and Jacare Souza.

**Official odds have yet to be released.**

Sean Brady is rebounding from the first loss of his career, a TKO defeat at the hands of Belal Muhammad at UFC 280. This loss came after Brady gassed out due to the high pace of the fight, succumbing to a barrage from Muhammad at the end of the second round. He'll now look to display is improved abilities after his year-long layoff.

![bradymuhammad.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/d53751e6-e7cb-4ae1-88c8-8208901ae300/pub "Sean Brady landing a straight on Belal Muhammad. Credits to: Craig Kidwell - USA TODAY Sports.")

Kelvin Gastelum is coming off a Fight of the Year contender against Chris Curtis, where he secured a decision victory at UFC 288. Now, he's dropping back down to the Welterweight division, showing more motivation in his career since his layoff, after going 7-6 in the 185 lbs division. 

![gastelumcurt.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/87c7d40f-03cd-4838-9c3e-3f2b8efaa900/pub "Kelvin Gastelum clipping Chris Curtis in their Fight of The Night bout. Credits to: Rich Storry - USA TODAY Sports.")

This is another excellent matchup added to the stacked December 2nd card, which still has no headliner announced.

Sean Brady Welcomes Kelvin Gastelum Back To The Welterweight Division

Vicente Luque and Ian Machado Garry are set to face off at UFC 296 in a highly anticipated matchup. The fight is scheduled for December 16th at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. This announcement comes directly from Dana White.

**This bout will occur in the Welterweight (170 lbs) division.**

Vicente Luque, with a professional MMA record of 22-9-1 (15-5 UFC), is ranked #10 in the Welterweight division, securing notable victories over Rafael Dos Anjos, Michael Chiesa, and Tyron Woodley.

Ian Machado Garry boasts an undefeated record of 13-0 (6-0 UFC). He's ranked #11 in the Welterweight division, holding notable wins against Neil Magny, Daniel Rodriguez, and Song Kenan.

**Official odds have yet to be released.**

Vicente Luque secured a hard-fought decision win against Rafael Dos Anjos in his last bout. This was after a year-long layoff following back-to-back defeats to Geoff Neal and Belal Muhammad. Now, "The Silent Assassin" is looking to build a new win streak as he climbs back into the top-5.

![luque-rda.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/b1b1e2e6-97ea-4a6b-9fcb-57edd08dc700/pub "Vicente Luque kicking Rafael Dos Anjos in his last win. Credits to: Al Powers - Zuffa LLC.")

Ian Garry's last performance was a dominant showcase vs. Neil Magny at UFC 292, as he dropped Neil Magny multiple times with precise leg kicks, showcasing his striking prowess. He now takes on his toughest career fight yet, looking to use his vast striking arsenal to secure his fourteenth straight win.

![garrymagny.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/5f59b5e8-b517-4dc3-e337-7e07ca04e600/pub  "Ian Garry outstriking Neil Magny at UFC 292. Credits to: Bob DeChiara - USA TODAY Sports.")

This matchup is bound to be an explosive encounter between two skilled strikers in the Welterweight division. As the Verdict Community, let us know your prediction for the bout in the comments below.

Vicente Luque vs. Ian Machado Garry Confirmed for UFC 296

Jordan Lopez

UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Gamrot Results

## Ricardo Ramos vs. Charles Jourdain

**Result:** Charles Jourdain def. Ricardo Ramos via submission. Round: 1, Time: 3:12.

**Division:** Featherweight

**Referee:** Herb Dean

Charles Jourdain gets his fifth submission win in his career as he makes it look easy against Ricardo Ramos. It started as a high-tempo first round between the two fighters. Once they settled in, Jourdain rushes in with a combination and jumps on a guillotine. He didn't have the choke at first, but once they scrambled, Jourdain sank in the guillotine, and Ramos tapped. Jourdain has now won back-to-back fights and calls out Cub Swanson for his next fight.

## Bryan Battle vs. AJ Fletcher

**Result:** Bryan Battle def. AJ Fletcher via submission. Round: 2, Time: 4:32.

**Division:** Welterweight

**Referee:** Dan Miragliotta

After getting knocked down and losing the first round, Bryan Battle comes back in the second round and submits AJ Fletcher. Battle threw front kick after front kick to start the fight, finding his distance. Fletcher did a great job of maintaining space and eventually shot in for a takedown. Once Battle stuffed it, they engaged in a clinch, which is when Fletcher dropped Battle with an elbow to end the round. In the second round, Battle controlled his range much better and capitalized. He got Fletcher to the ground and started to feel more comfortable. Battle sunk in the rear-naked choke for a massive win over a tough Fletcher.

## Marina Rodriguez vs. Michelle Waterson-Gomez

**Result:** Marina Rodriguez def. Michelle Waterson-Gomez via TKO. Round: 2, Time: 2:42.

**Division:** Women's Strawweight

**Referee:** Kerry Hatley

Marina Rodriguez had the most dominant win of her career against a durable Michelle Waterson-Gomez. The devastating knees and elbows were the story of this fight, as the referee could have stopped the fight in round one. Rodriguez connected with a few slicing elbows, making things really bloody for the "Karate Hottie." After the 10-8 round by Rodriguez, she continued to dominate the fight to the point that Kerry Hatley had no choice but to stop the fight. Rodriguez gets back into the win column after losing two in a row and now holds two wins over Waterson-Gomez. In her post-fight octagon speech, she called out Tatiana Suarez for her next fight.

## Bryce Mitchell vs. Dan Ige

**Result:** Bryce Mitchell def. Dan Ige via unamious decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)

**Division:** Featherweight

**Referee:** Mark Smith

Bryce Mitchell returns to the win column after dominating Dan Ige over three rounds in the co-main event. The constant pressure and aggressive pursuit from Mitchell was too much to handle for Ige. The wrestling exchanges favored Mitchell, and it paid dividends. Ige had his fair share of moments, but not enough to win this one. "Thug Nasty" was sharp and resilient throughout the duration of the fight. Mitchell has now improved to 16-1 and 7-1 in the UFC.

## Rafael Fiziev vs. Mateusz Gamrot

**Result:** Mateusz Gamrot def. Rafael Fiziev via TKO (injury). Round: 2, Time: 2:03.

**Division:** Lightweight

**Referee:** Herb Dean

It was a disappointing end to the main event after a great first round between Rafael Fiziev and Mateusz Gamrot. The lightning-quick combination of punches to the body from Fiziev was mesmerizing in the first round as he looked sharp. Gamrot was on the defense for the majority of the round until he shot in for a takedown at the end of round one. It appeared that Fiziev had knocked Gamrot off-balanced, but all was good to end the round.

To start the second round, Gamort aggressively goes in for a takedown and causes a huge scramble. Fiziev does a great job of avoiding the ground and engaging in a clinch battle. After Gamrot let go, Fiziev threw a kick, and his left knee (his planted foot) gave out on him. It was clear something was wrong, and Fiziev went straight down. Herb Dean immediately calls the fight off, and Gamrot emerges victorious due to injury. It was a brutal way to end an incredible night of fights, as the main event was bound to be great, with some of the best Lightweights in the world going at it. 

UFC Fight Night: Fiziev vs. Gamrot Results

Douglas Vegas Bets

Paddy Pimblett is set to return to action for the final pay-per-view of the year as he takes on veteran Tony Ferguson at Lightweight and the odds are out. This fight is set for UFC 296 from the T-Mobile Arena on December 16th. 

**Odds Provided by BetOnline.ag accurate as of 9/22/2023 10:10 PM EST** 

## Current Odds: Paddy Pimblett -230, Tony Ferguson +195

These odds mean a bettor would need to risk $230 on Paddy Pimblett to win $100; meanwhile, a risk of $100 on Tony Ferguson could win $195.

This fight comes with many having anticipated that we may see Pimblett return prior to the end of the year however the opponent had yet to be determined. Paddy Pimblett will enter this bout off his controversial decision win over Jared Gordon late last year. Tony Ferguson will come into this one off his third-round submission loss to Bobby Green which marked his sixth straight loss. 

## Past Odds: Paddy Pimblett

*Odds from FightOdds.io*

Paddy Pimblett (-250) vs. Jared Gordon (+230) UFC 282 – Win 

Paddy Pimblett (-245) vs. Jordan Leavitt (+225) UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Aspinall – Win 

Paddy Pimblett (-570) vs. Rodrigo Vargas (+480) UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Aspinall – Win 

Paddy Pimblett (-150) vs. Luigi Vendramini (+140) UFC Fight Night: Brunson vs. Till – Win 

Paddy Pimblett (-625) vs. Davide Martinez (+430) Cage Warriors 122 – Win 

## Past Odds: Tony Ferguson

*Odds from FightOdds.io*

Tony Ferguson (+300) vs. Bobby Green (-400) UFC 291 – Loss 

Tony Ferguson (-147) vs. Nate Diaz (+137) UFC 279 – Loss 

Tony Ferguson (+300) vs. Michael Chandler (-330) UFC 274 – Loss 

Tony Ferguson (+140) vs. Beneil Dariush (-150) UFC 262 – Loss 

Tony Ferguson (-147) vs. Charles Oliveira (+137) UFC 256 - Loss

Who do you have in this matchup of Lightweight fan favorites? Let us know your prediction in the comments below.

Betting Odds: Paddy Pimblett opens large favorite over Tony Ferguson at UFC 296

Shavkat Rakhmonov has been calling for a fight and finally has one as he is now set to take on Stephen Thompson later this year and the odds have been released. This fight is set for UFC 296 from the T-Mobile Arena on December 16th. 

**Odds Provided by BetOnline.ag accurate as of 9/22/2023 9:55 PM EST** 

## Current Odds: Shavkat Rakhmonov -465, Stephen Thompson +365

These odds mean a bettor would need to risk $465 on Shavkat Rakhmonov to win $100; meanwhile, a risk of $100 on Stephen Thompson could win $365.

It appeared Thompson had rejected Rakhmonov’s call for a fight earlier this year, however today he tweeted that he had accepted the bout and Dana White confirmed it was being added to UFC 296. Shavkat Rakhmonov is coming off his late finish of Geoff Neal in a star-making performance. Stephen Thompson returns for the first time this year after ending last year with a stoppage win over Kevin Holland in Orlando.

## Past Odds: Shavkat Rakhmonov

*Odds from FightOdds.io*

Shavkat Rakhmonov (-450) vs. Geoff Neal (+400) UFC 285 – Win 

Shavkat Rakhmonov (-420) vs. Neil Magny (+375) UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot – Win 

Shavkat Rakhmonov (-250) vs. Carlston Harris (+230) UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland – Win 

Shavkat Rakhmonov (-310) vs. Michel dos Prazeres (+280) UFC Fight: Gane vs. Volkov – Win 

Shavkat Rakhmonov (-135) vs. Alex Oliveira (+125) UFC 254 – Win 

## Past Odds: Stephen Thompson

*Odds from FightOdds.io*

Stephen Thompson (+157) vs. Kevin Holland (-167) UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Holland - Win

Stephen Thompson (-200) vs. Belal Muhammad (+185) UFC Fight Night 199: Lewis vs. Daukaus - Loss

Stephen Thompson (-142) vs. Gilbert Burns (+132) UFC 264 - Loss

Stephen Thompson (-107) vs. Geoff Neal (-103) UFC Fight Night 183: Thompson vs. Neal - Win

Stephen Thompson (-110) vs. Vicente Luque (+100) UFC 244 - Win

Do you think Stephen Thompson still has what it takes to compete with hungry prospects like Rakhmonov? Let us know your prediction in the comments below.

Betting Odds: Shavkat Rakhmonov heavy favorite over Stephen Thompson for UFC 296 clash

On December 2nd, fight fans can expect fireworks as Khalil Rountree Jr. is slated to go toe-to-toe with Azamat Murzakanov, per Brett Okamoto. The location and venue for this matchup are yet to be disclosed.

**This bout is set in the Light-Heavyweight (205 lbs) division.**

Khalil Rountree Jr. is ranked #11 in the Light Heavyweight division and holds a professional record of 12-5-1NC (UFC 8-5-1NC). Rountree's notable wins include Dustin Jacoby, Chris Daukaus, and Eryk Anders.

Azamat Murzakanov holds an undefeated record of 13-0 (3-0 UFC) and holds the #12 ranking in the Light-Heavyweight division. He has secured impressive victories over Dustin Jacoby, Devin Clark, and Tafon Nchukwi.

**Official odds have yet to be released.**

In his recent outing, Khalil Rountree Jr. secured a first-round knockout victory over Chris Daukaus, blitzing through the former Heavyweight making his 205 lbs debut. He now looks to bring his win streak to five as he moves into the top 10 of the division.

![khalil.jpg](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/8d9db976-385d-4184-f3fe-68825600ec00/pub "Khalil Rountree Jr. striking vs. Chris Daukaus. Credits to: Al Powers - Zuffa LLC.")

Azamat Murzakanov's last fight was against Dustin Jacoby, where he displayed dominance in the early rounds, confidently outstriking the former K-1 Kickboxer, but faded in the third round. However, he secured the win via unanimous decision and now looks to go 4-0 in the UFC and keep his undefeated record intact.

![azamat-jacoby.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/172fb303-0425-4b4b-2bf7-f4e1a22f8800/pub "Azamat Murzakanov evading Dustin Jacoby. Credits to: Denny Medley - USA TODAY Sports.")

So, who do you think will win this one? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your prediction in the comments below.

Khalil Rountree Jr. vs. Azamat Murzakanov Confirmed for December 2nd Showdown

December 2nd gets another booking, as Jared Cannonier will face Roman Dolidze in a three-round bout, per Marc Raimondi. The current venue and location are unknown.

It was noted this will not serve as the events headliner. Neither will the previously announced matchup between Figueiredo and Font.

**This fight goes down in the Middleweight (185 lbs) division.**

Jared Cannonier boasts a record of 17-6 (UFC 10-6) and has secured notable victories over Sean Strickland, Kelvin Gastelum, and Marvin Vettori. He is currently ranked #4 in the Middleweight division.

Roman Dolidze brings a record of 12-2 (UFC 6-2), with notable wins against Jack Hermansson, Phil Hawes, and Kyle Daukaus. He holds the #7 spot in the Middleweight division.

**Official odds have yet to be released.**

Cannonier's last fight was a beatdown against Marvin Vettori, which Cannonier won via unanimous decision after nearly finishing Vettori multiple times. The former Middleweight title challenger wants another crack at his former foe, Sean Strickland, and will need to go through Roman Dolidze to get it.

![canonvettori.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/391cc94f-e062-4358-6b6d-f851208f0400/pub "Jared Cannonier piecing up Marvin Vettori. Credits to: Chris Unger - Zuffa LLC.")

Dolidze's most recent bout was against Marvin Vettori, a closely contested standup affair. Ultimately, Dolidze lost by a close unanimous decision, unable to keep up with Vettoris's volume in the later rounds. This upcoming fight against Cannonier presents a crucial opportunity for him to regain momentum in the division.

![dolidxevettori.webp](https://imagedelivery.net/kd_oB-9dZCrENaJzp7HSCA/774894ad-05fc-4a24-bcbe-7e941e6a6100/pub "Roman Dolidze throwing bombs vs. Marvin Vettori. Credits to: Haljestam - USA TODAY Sports.")

This Middleweight showdown promises intense action and could have far-reaching implications in the division. So, who do you have winning? As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know your prediction in the comments below.

Andrew Holbrook