It’s not been long since fight fans heard from Shavkat Rakhmonov that he was gearing up for his return after a year on the sidelines.
Rakhmonov (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC), thought by most analysts and fans to be the top contender for the welterweight title now held by Islam Makhachev, has been out with a knee injury. He said earlier this month he was ready to return, and ready to fight for the belt.
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Maybe save that original story and re-read it later this year, because Rakhmonov is back on the shelf. The 31-year-old re-injured his knee and underwent surgery recently. He’s expected to be out for at least nine months. MMA junkie confirmed the news with a person close to the Rakhmonov camp following an initial report from Uncrowned.
Rakhmonov most recently fought in December 2024 and outworked top contender Ian Machado Garry for a unanimous decision at UFC 310. It was the first time in Rakhmonov’s career that he had to go the distance for a win after 18 straight stoppages.
Rakhmonov said he already was injured heading into the fight with Machado Garry and fought through a meniscus and partial ACL tear.
The landscape of the UFC’s welterweight division already is a lot different than the last time Rakhmonov was in action, and who knows how things will look by the time he returns – which will be approaching two years gone if his timeline holds.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC star Shavkat Rakhmonov injured again, late 2026 return possible
