All articles tagged with #shavkat rakhmonov
Shavkat Rakhmonov confirms another knee surgery and postpones his UFC return after being seen with a knee brace and crutches; the 19-0 welterweight had hoped to return in 2026, but his setback pushes that timeline as he vows to come back stronger and chase a belt for Kazakhstan.
Shavkat Rakhmonov, inactive since UFC 310 due to injuries, was seen at a recent event wearing crutches and a knee brace, sparking fan concern about whether he can return to contend for the welterweight belt, especially as Islam Makhachev has suggested he may not deserve the next title shot.
Undefeated UFC welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov is expected to miss most or all of 2026 after knee surgery to address a re-injury. His return is projected at nine to ten months, keeping him inactive since December 2024’s UFC 310 win over Ian Machado Garry; he was setup for a title challenge against Belal Muhammad before the setback.
Ian Machado Garry disputes his unanimous decision loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, where they fought for the welterweight number one contendership. Despite Rakhmonov's grappling advantage, Garry impressed with his defensive skills and nearly secured a rear-naked choke. The fight ended with a close 48-47 score in favor of Rakhmonov, which Garry contested, claiming he didn't feel defeated and was proud of his performance against a formidable opponent. UFC CEO Dana White acknowledged the high stakes and praised both fighters' performances.
Vicente Luque, who has trained with both Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ian Machado Garry, predicts Rakhmonov will have the edge in their upcoming UFC 310 welterweight bout. Luque praises Rakhmonov's all-around skills, including striking, conditioning, grappling, and wrestling, suggesting he could become a division champion. While acknowledging Machado Garry's striking abilities, Luque believes Rakhmonov's grappling and wrestling give him the advantage. Luque himself will also compete at UFC 310 against Themba Gorimbo.
Kamaru Usman has expressed his willingness to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov on short notice at UFC 310, following Belal Muhammad's withdrawal due to a foot infection. Despite sharing a gym with Rakhmonov, Usman clarified they are not teammates and is open to stepping in as a replacement. Usman, who is on a three-fight losing streak, is eager to return to the octagon and potentially face Rakhmonov, emphasizing his readiness to take on challenges even with limited preparation time.
Kamaru Usman has expressed his willingness to step in for a potential fight against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310, following Belal Muhammad's withdrawal due to a foot infection. Although Usman has not been officially contacted by UFC matchmakers, he stated on his podcast that he is open to the idea of fighting on short notice. Usman, a former welterweight champion, has previously taken short-notice fights, including against Jorge Masvidal and Khamzat Chimaev. He is currently on a three-fight losing streak.
Michael Bisping has suggested that Leon Edwards, a 'forgotten' fighter, should step in to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 after Belal Muhammad withdrew due to a bone infection. Bisping believes Edwards, who lost his title to Muhammad, could benefit from this opportunity. Meanwhile, Rakhmonov is open to fighting Kamaru Usman for an interim title, as negotiations continue to find a replacement opponent.
Leon Edwards retains the welterweight title with a dominant win over Colby Covington at UFC 296. Edwards may consider moving up in weight, but a fight against Belal Muhammad, who has won nine in a row, seems likely. Alexandre Pantoja, the flyweight champion, could face the winner of Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi for his next title defense. Shavkat Rakhmonov's next opponent is uncertain, as Kamaru Usman has no interest in fighting him unless it's for a title. Paddy Pimblett, lightweight fighter, could face Benoit Saint Denis for a tough matchup. Josh Emmett's impressive knockout win sets up a potential fight against Giga Chikadze. Cody Garbrandt's next opponent could be Dominick Cruz, with Adrian Yanez as a wild card option.