Shavkat Rakhmonov has confirmed the fears that worried MMA fans for months. The welterweight contender hasn’t competed since defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 in December 2024. A serious knee injury required surgery and has kept the 19-0 star on the sidelines ever since.
Rakhmonov initially hoped to return early in 2026, but a new setback has postponed his comeback. The injury has forced him to step back from the Octagon longer than anticipated.
Rakhmonov speaks out on social media
Rakhmonov was recently seen wearing a knee brace and walking with crutches. His concerns became public when he issued a social media statement.
“A fighter’s path has never been easy,” Rakhmonov wrote on X. “Life doesn’t give us challenges we can’t overcome. Every dream comes at a price, and sometimes that price is your health. Today, I have to be honest: due to ongoing injuries, I’ve had another surgery and will need time to fully recover. My return to the Octagon will be postponed. It’s not easy to accept, but I truly believe every setback is part of a bigger plan. I will come back stronger, smarter, and hungrier than ever. My goal is still alive. The UFC belt still has to come to Kazakhstan. Thank you to everyone who stands by me. This is not the end of the journey, it’s an important chapter of it.”
Implications for Islam Makhachev’s welterweight reign
With Rakhmonov out of action, attention turns to UFC welterweight king Islam Makhachev. The former lightweight champion won the 170-pound title at UFC 322 in November, defeating Jack Della Maddalena. Since then, Makhachev has expressed interest in defending his belt against Kamaru Usman.
Usman remains the biggest available name, but he has won only one of his last four fights. Fans argue that fighters like Ian Machado Garry and Michael Morales deserve a shot at the pound-for-pound number one. Only Dana White and UFC matchmakers can decide Makhachev’s first title defense.
