Introduction
Shavkat Rakhmonov — the undefeated Kazakh powerhouse in the UFC welterweight division — has been one of the most exciting and promising talents in mixed martial arts. Known for explosive finishes and a relentless fighting style, he rose through the UFC ranks with perfect credentials and world-class performances. But recent developments have sparked concern among MMA fans: Rakhmonov was removed from the official UFC welterweight rankings following another knee injury and subsequent surgery. In this article we break down what happened to him, why he was removed, and what his future in the Octagon looks like.
Who Is Shavkat Rakhmonov? A Quick Background
Before diving into the recent news, it’s important to understand who Shavkat Rakhmonov is and why his absence is such a major story in MMA.
Shavkat Rakhmonov (born March 7, 1994) is a professional mixed martial artist from Kazakhstan who competes in the UFC’s welterweight division. He made his promotional debut in 2020 and quickly became known for his devastating finishes and all-around skill set. Rakhmonov entered the UFC undefeated and, as of his last fight, remained unbeaten with a perfect professional record.
Some of his most notable wins include:
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Submission victory over Stephen Thompson — making him the first person to finish “Wonderboy” by submission.
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Dominant finishes against notable welterweight contenders like Geoff Neal and Neil Magny.
Rakhmonov’s combination of wrestling, striking, and submission skills made him a leading contender for the UFC welterweight title, and fight fans were eagerly anticipating his title shot.
The Rise That Stalled: Rakhmonov’s Last UFC Fight
Rakhmonov’s last fight took place in December 2024 at UFC 310 where he faced Ian Machado Garry in a title eliminator bout. It was a five-round contest that went the distance, and Rakhmonov won by unanimous decision — the first time he had ever gone to the judges’ scorecards in his career.
This win made Rakhmonov the clear No. 1 contender in the division and positioned him for a welterweight title shot — a dream matchup many fans anticipated. But fate had other plans.
What Happened to Shavkat Rakhmonov? Injury Issues and Setbacks
Recurring Knee Injury
After the Garry fight, reports emerged that Rakhmonov was dealing with a significant knee injury — one that had been bothering him even during that fight. In early 2026, it was confirmed that this injury had worsened, forcing the undefeated contender to undergo surgery again.
According to his manager, Rakhmonov’s knee reinjury means he will likely miss nine to ten months of competition, potentially ruling him out for most of 2026.
His official statement on social media acknowledged the setback:
“Today, I have to be honest: due to ongoing injuries, I’ve had another surgery and will need time to fully recover. … I believe every setback is part of a bigger plan.”
This has led to uncertainty about when — and if — Rakhmonov will return to his previous elite form.
Social Media and Public Sightings
Beyond official statements, fans have also speculated about the severity of the injury based on appearances in public. Videos circulated showing Rakhmonov using crutches and wearing a knee brace, fueling concern about his recovery timeline and readiness to return.
These images, shared widely on MMA fan forums and social media platforms, illustrate just how debilitating the injury has been.
Ranking Removed: Why the UFC Took Rakhmonov Out of the Welterweight Rankings
Perhaps the most shocking development for MMA fans is the removal of Shavkat Rakhmonov from the UFC welterweight rankings.
Despite being ranked No. 2 in the division, the UFC’s official rankings panel — influenced by media voters across the MMA world — took Rakhmonov off the list in their latest update.
The reasoning? His extended absence from competition due to injury — and the uncertainty about when he might return — meant that he could no longer be considered among the active contenders.
While this is standard for fighters who remain inactive for too long, it still sparked heated debate in MMA communities:
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Some fans argue that fighters coming off injuries should be kept ranked.
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Others counter that a long absence without a fight naturally disqualifies someone from “active” status.
On Reddit and other forums, fans reacted passionately — with some claiming his career might never fully recover and others defending his status as an elite talent.
What This Means for the Welterweight Division
Rakhmonov’s absence has significantly impacted the UFC welterweight landscape:
Title Picture Shifts
Before his injury, Rakhmonov was being lined up for a title shot against then-champion Belal Muhammad. However:
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Muhammad had previously pulled out of a title fight due to his own injury before UFC 310.
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After that, the title changed hands — leaving Rakhmonov sidelined as the division evolved.
Now Islam Makhachev, a former lightweight champion, has moved up to welterweight and claimed the belt. Situations like this mean that Rakhmonov — once a favorite for the title — may have even more obstacles to fight for gold once he returns.
New Contenders Emerge
With Rakhmonov out, other fighters like Jack Della Maddalena, Ian Garry, and Michael Morales have moved into the top contention spots — making the division deeper and more competitive than ever.
This reshuffling emphasizes both how important Rakhmonov’s presence was and how unpredictable MMA can be — especially when injuries intervene.
When Will Rakhmonov Fight Next? Next Fight Predictions
So what next fight might we see from Shavkat Rakhmonov?
Likely Timeline
Given the injury and rehabilitation schedule, the current projection for his return is late 2026 or early 2027, depending on how recovery goes and whether he avoids setbacks.
Possible Opponents
While a lot can change in MMA, here are some potential scenarios for his return bout:
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Return against a currently ranked welterweight contender such as Michael Morales or Geoff Neal (if still prominent in the division).
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A title eliminator — once he’s proven fitness after more than a year out.
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A blockbuster matchup for hype and ranking boost — possibly with Ian Garry or even a rematch, depending on how the division shakes out.
These suggestions are speculative but based on how UFC typically books returns for top contenders.
Fan Reactions and The Big Debate
Since the news broke about Rakhmonov’s ranking removal and extended recovery, MMA fan forums have been buzzing with opinions.
Supportive Fans Say:
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Rakhmonov’s career is far from over and he can return stronger.
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Given his talent, he deserves every opportunity once he’s healthy.
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Injuries are part of the sport — fans should be patient.
Skeptical Fans Argue:
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His extended inactivity means his prime years could be wasted in rehab.
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The UFC and rankings system treat injured fighters inconsistently.
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Some fighters have been kept ranked despite similar or longer layoffs.
Whatever side you take, there’s no denying that Shavkat Rakhmonov’s situation has become one of the most polarizing topics in MMA today.
Conclusion
Shavkat Rakhmonov’s journey from undefeated UFC contender to rankings removal and injury rehab underscores both how talented he is and how unpredictable MMA careers can be. From devastating finishes to a stalled title shot and multiple surgeries, his story has taken an unexpected turn.
But despite all setbacks, Rakhmonov’s determination remains evident — and the MMA world is watching, hopeful that one of the sport’s most exciting prospects will one day return to the Octagon stronger than ever.
Whether that comes in late 2026, 2027, or beyond, one thing is clear: when Shavkat Rakhmonov finally steps back into the UFC cage, the welterweight division will be paying attention.
FAQs: Shavkat Rakhmonov Injury, Rankings & Next Fight
Q1. Why was Shavkat Rakhmonov removed from the UFC welterweight rankings?
A1. Rakhmonov was removed due to an extended absence caused by recurring knee injuries and surgery, which kept him out of competition for over a year and made him inactive in the division.
Q2. When was Rakhmonov’s last fight?
A2. His last fight was in December 2024, when he defeated Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision at UFC 310.
Q3. What injury does Shavkat Rakhmonov have?
A3. He suffered a serious knee injury that required surgery and is expected to keep him out for nine to ten months.
Q4. When could Rakhmonov’s next fight be?
A4. His likely return fight could be in late 2026 or early 2027, depending on recovery progress and UFC matchmaking.
Q5. Was a title shot canceled for Rakhmonov?
A5. Yes — injuries prevented him from fighting for the welterweight title against Belal Muhammad after his UFC 310 win.
Q6. Will Rakhmonov still be a contender when he returns?
A6. Although removed from rankings, most analysts believe his talent and record could quickly elevate him once he proves fitness. His eventual ranking may depend on how the division evolves during his rehab.
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