Shavkat Rakhmonov targets late 2026 UFC return after knee injury rehab

Shavkat Rakhmonov is targeting a return to the UFC octagon in December 2026, with the undefeated Kazakh welterweight still working through the rehabilitation process following a knee injury that required surgery.

Ranked third in the welterweight division, Rakhmonov has not competed since late 2024. A December return would mark exactly two years away from the cage — a significant absence for any fighter, but particularly notable for one who entered the sport's conversation as a title contender. The 31-year-old from Kazakhstan stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and carries a perfect 19-0-0 professional record under the DAR Team banner. His striking accuracy of 60 percent is among the most impressive marks in the division, and he supplements his stand-up game with 1.4 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a combination that makes him dangerous across all phases of a fight.

Why it matters

• A two-year layoff ahead of a potential title shot raises legitimate questions about ring rust and competitive sharpness.
• At ranked third in the welterweight division, Rakhmonov's return will immediately reshape the contender picture, depending on how the title situation evolves during his absence.
• His well-rounded skill set — efficient striking volume at 3.25 significant strikes landed per minute combined with a consistent grappling threat — means opponents cannot game-plan around a single area of concern.
• The extended timeline puts pressure on the UFC to identify an appropriate opponent who can serve as both a credible test and a path back toward the championship.