Undefeated and top UFC welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov’s UFC return has been further delayed. ‘Nomad’ last fought former training partner Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 after then-champion Belal Muhammad withdrew due to a bone infection.
‘Nomad’ won that bout by unanimous decision and snatched Garry’s O. However, after that, the Kazakh fighter was sidelined due to a partial ACL tear and meniscus injury.
In 2026, fans expected Rakhmonov to return and fight for the title or lock horns with any top 170-pounder, potentially in April or May. But the 31-year-old was recently spotted walking with crutches and a knee brace.
After clips surfaced of ‘Nomad’ being reinjured, MMA reporter Ariel Helwani gave details about what really happened. Helwani posted on X, revealing that Shavkat Rakhmonov has reinjured the same knee that previously kept him away from fighting and had to undergo surgery recently.
Unfortunate news: Shavkat Rakhmanov re-injured his knee and had surgery recently, per his manager, Danny Rubenstein. Same leg that has kept him sidelined for over a year. He is expected to be out another 9-10 months.”
Despite not competing for more than a year, Rakhmonov still holds the number 2 spot on the UFC welterweight chart.
Shavkat Rakhmonov pens emotional message after plans to fight in 2026 are ruined
Shavkat Rakhmonov recently took to X and penned an emotional message for fans. ‘Nomad’ opined that injuries are part of a fighter’s life, and he will return stronger than ever and bring the UFC strap to Kazakhstan.
A fighter’s path has never been easy… It’s not easy to accept, but I truly believe every setback is part of a bigger plan. My goal is still alive. The UFC belt still has to come to Kazakhstan.”
Check out the entire message below:
Shavkat Rakhmonov’s former opponent plans to dethrone Islam Makhachev
Shavkat Rakhmonov’s former opponent, Ian Machado Garry, recently posted a video clip in which he praised Islam Makhachev before declaring his intention to dethrone the pound-for-pound king.
Garry bounced back from the lone loss of his MMA career by defeating Carlos Prates on short notice in 2025, followed by a unanimous decision victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC Qatar. Seeing his willingness to compete more often and step in whenever needed, many in the MMA community, including Ariel Helwani, believe the Irishman deserves a title shot next.
“Gotta do Islam x Ian next. Nothing else makes more sense.”
However, rumors suggest Islam Makhachev may make the first defense of his welterweight title against Michael Morales after Ramadan 2026. Official fight news is expected soon.
