Concerns over Shavkat Rakhmonov’s future have been eased after his camp moved to deny rumors of a fresh injury setback.
The welterweight contender has been sidelined throughout 2025 following surgery on a knee injury sustained at UFC 310. Recently, speculation flared online when UPFRONT MMA on X claimed that Kazakh outlet 24KZ had reported that Rakhmonov had reinjured the same knee. Fans reacted with frustration, with some suggesting that the unbeaten fighter should be cut from the roster.
However, journalist Dimash Tulegenov clarified the situation via vesti.kz, confirming that Rakhmonov’s manager, Sayat Abdrakhmanov, dismissed the reports as false, insisting “everything is fine.”
Rakhmonov has been linked with a return to action in early 2026, with several top contenders floated as possible opponents. His absence has left fans frustrated, particularly after he stated earlier this year that he intended to wait for a title shot. With the division in flux due to Islam Makhachev’s move to welterweight and Belal Muhammad’s return against Ian Machado Garry in November, the title picture could look very different when “Nomad” returns.
Still, Rakhmonov’s record speaks for itself. With 19 straight victories – including seven in the UFC – he currently holds the joint-longest active win streak in MMA. Once back in action, the unbeaten Kazakh is expected to be immediately back in the mix for UFC gold.
