Shavkat Rakhmonov Reinjures Knee, Out Even Longer Than Expected
UFC welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov has suffered a devastating setback in his pursuit of championship gold. The undefeated Kazakh fighter reinjured his left knee and recently underwent surgery.
His manager Danny Rubenstein confirmed to Ariel Helwani on January 31. Rakhmonov is expected to remain out of action for an additional nine to ten months, effectively sidelining him for the majority of 2026.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Suffers Setback as Knee Reinjury Sidelines Unbeaten Contender for Most of 2026
The injury became apparent when Rakhmonov appeared at the Naiza FC 80 event in Kazakhstan on January 31, using crutches and wearing a substantial leg brace. This marks the same knee that has kept the 31-year-old fighter sidelined for over a year, creating mounting frustration for one of the division’s most promising talents.
Rakhmonov has not competed since December 2024, when he defeated Ian Machado Garry via unanimous decision at UFC 310. That bout marked the first time in his 19-fight career that he was forced to go the distance, ending a streak of 18 consecutive finishes. What many fans did not realize at the time was that Rakhmonov entered the cage already compromised by a torn meniscus and partial ACL tear.
The timing of this latest injury is particularly unfortunate given the dramatic changes in the welterweight landscape during his absence. Rakhmonov was originally scheduled to challenge then-champion Belal Muhammad for the title at UFC 310, but Muhammad withdrew due to a bone infection in his foot. Instead, Rakhmonov faced Garry in a five-round title eliminator, securing the victory despite his compromised physical condition.
During Rakhmonov’s extended recovery period, the welterweight championship changed hands twice. Jack Della Maddalena captured the title from Muhammad, only to lose it to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 in November 2025. Makhachev, who vacated his lightweight championship to move up in weight, dominated Della Maddalena over five rounds with a unanimous 50-45 scorecard across all three judges.
Following the surgery and subsequent announcement, Rakhmonov released a statement on social media addressing the setback. “A fighter’s journey has never been straightforward,” he wrote. “Life presents us with challenges that we must conquer. Every aspiration comes with a cost, and sometimes that cost is our health. Today, I must be candid. Due to persistent injuries, I have undergone another surgery and will require time to heal completely”.
The fighter remained optimistic about his eventual return. “Accepting this reality is tough, but I genuinely believe that every obstacle is part of a larger design. I will return stronger, wiser, and more driven than ever. My ambition remains intact. The UFC title still needs to come to Kazakhstan”.
Rakhmonov currently holds a perfect 19-0 professional record with a 7-0 mark inside the UFC. His resume includes six stoppage victories in the promotion, with notable finishes over Stephen Thompson, Geoff Neal, and Neil Magny. The Kazakh fighter has accumulated eight wins by knockout and ten by submission throughout his career, with nine first-round finishes.
UFC Welterweight Division
Despite missing all of 2025 due to knee issues, Rakhmonov remains ranked number two in the UFC’s welterweight division as of January 2026. However, his extended absence has allowed other contenders to stake their claims for a title shot. Ian Machado Garry rebounded from his loss to Rakhmonov by defeating Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad in 2025, positioning himself as a top contender. Michael Morales also emerged as a potential challenger with an undefeated record and a stoppage win over Sean Brady.
The welterweight division has experienced a competitive resurgence during Rakhmonov’s layoff. Makhachev indicated in late December that he expects to make his first title defense sometime between April and June 2026, following Ramadan. With a nine-to-ten-month recovery timeline, Rakhmonov will likely not return to competition until late 2026 or early 2027, potentially two full years after his last appearance.
This injury represents another chapter in a career marked by fighting through adversity. Prior to his submission victory over Stephen Thompson at UFC 296 in December 2023, Rakhmonov dealt with a significant ankle ligament tear but proceeded with the bout, ultimately finishing “Wonderboy” in the second round.
