Shavkat Rakhmonov targets late 2026 return after lengthy knee rehab

Shavkat Rakhmonov is planning his next UFC fight for late 2026 as he continues a prolonged rehabilitation course following knee injuries and surgeries. The undefeated welterweight contender has been sidelined and undergoing extensive medical treatment. If he returns in December as hoped, his layoff will total exactly two years since his last octagon appearance. Fans are expressing hope that this timeline holds and Rakhmonov can return to competition by year's end.