Shavkat Rakhmonov has confirmed the news MMA fans feared. The welterweight contender hasn’t fought since beating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 in December 2024. A serious knee injury required surgery and has kept the 19-0 star sidelined ever since.
Rakhmonov had aimed to return early in 2026, but a new injury has forced him to delay his comeback. The setback threatens to push back his plans for the Octagon.
Rakhmonov addresses fans directly
Rakhmonov recently appeared wearing a knee brace and walking with crutches, sparking concern among supporters. He confirmed the situation in a statement on social media.
“A fighter’s path has never been easy,” he 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.”
Next steps for Islam Makhachev
With Rakhmonov out, focus shifts to UFC welterweight king Islam Makhachev. The former lightweight champion won the 170-pound title at UFC 322 in November, defeating Jack Della Maddalena.
Makhachev has sought a title defense against Kamaru Usman, who remains the biggest available name. However, Usman has won only one of his last four fights. Fans argue that Ian Machado Garry and Michael Morales deserve a chance at the pound-for-pound number one. Dana White and UFC matchmakers will ultimately decide who faces Makhachev first.
