Shavkat Rakhmonov expected to miss several more months after another surgery

Shavkat Rakhmonov is likely going to miss most, if not all of 2026.

The undefeated Rakhmonov, who earned a UFC welterweight title shot after a spectacular start to his promotional run, is expected to miss another nine to 10 months of action following surgery to his re-injured knee, Rakhmonov’s manager Daniel Rubenstein confirmed to MMA Fighting on Saturday. The news was first reported by Ariel Helwani.

Social media reacted to a video that showed Rakhmonov attending Saturday’s Naiza FC 80 event in Kazakhstan wearing a knee brace and needing crutches. The news serves as a massive blow to the 19-0 fighter, who turned 31 this past October.

Rakhmonov hasn’t competed since defeating Ian Machado Garry in a five-round co-main event at UFC 310 in December 2024. “Nomad” was slated to challenge then-champion Belal Muhammad before having to adjust following Muhammad suffering an injury. The No. 3 ranked welterweight in MMA Fighting’s Global Rankings finished his first six octagon opponents, including Neil Magny, Geoff Neal and Stephen Thompson.