Shavkat Rakhmonov appeared destined to fight for a UFC title after his win over Ian Machado Garry in late 2024, but now he’s going to have to wait several more months just to compete again.
Injuries have kept Rakhmonov sidelined for over a year and sadly he’s just recently had to undergo another knee surgery that’s likely going to keep him out for the majority of 2026 as well. Following news about his latest setback, Rakhmonov released a statement addressing the disappointing news and his promise to comeback so he can continue to pursue his goal of becoming a UFC champion.
“A fighter’s path has never been easy,” Rakhmonov wrote in a statement posted to social media. “Live 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. As a result, 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 no matter what. This is not the end of the journey. It’s an important chapter of it.”
With an undefeated record and a perfect finishing rate up until his decision win over Garry, the 31-year-old welterweight was expected to fight then champion Belal Muhammad back in May 2025. After he suffered his initial knee injury, Rakhmonov was shelved and Jack Della Maddalena was offered the opportunity instead.
Della Maddalena won the title but then lost it in lopsided fashion to Islam Makhachev after he moved up to the 170-pound division.
While Makhachev is still awaiting word on his first title defense as welterweight champion, he obviously knows now that Rakhmonov is no longer an option with this latest surgery.
There’s no exact timeline for Rakhmonov to return but it’s unlikely he fights until late 2026 or early 2027 given his time for recovery.
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