‘Nomad’ resumes full training after lengthy recovery
UFC welterweight standout Shavkat Rakhmonov is preparing to return to action following several months on the sidelines due to a knee injury. His manager, Sayat Abdrakhmanov, revealed that the undefeated Kazakh fighter has resumed full-scale training sessions and is aiming for a comeback early next year. Rakhmonov was previously expected to fight for the title in mid-2025 before his injury forced him out of contention.
Rising competition in reshaped welterweight landscape
While Rakhmonov has been out, the 170-pound division has seen new contenders rise and major fights alter the rankings. Abdrakhmanov indicated that a tune-up bout may precede a title challenge, allowing the fighter to reestablish momentum after his layoff. Despite the shifting scene, the manager expressed confidence that Rakhmonov remains a leading force in the division.
Targeting a January or February return date
Abdrakhmanov stated that Rakhmonov’s team is planning a fight between late January and early February 2026, depending on the UFC’s schedule and the champion’s availability. The manager noted that the recovery process has gone smoothly, and Rakhmonov is eager to make a dominant return that positions him back in the title picture by midyear.
