Shavkat Rakhmonov is planning to return to the UFC octagon toward the end of 2026 following a lengthy rehabilitation from knee injury and multiple surgeries. The undefeated welterweight contender continues to undergo extensive recovery treatment. If he returns in December as planned, Rakhmonov will have been sidelined for exactly two years since his last UFC appearance. The extended layoff raises questions about his ranking position and potential matchup upon return, though no opponent has been named.
Shavkat "Nomad" Rakhmonov is targeting a return to the UFC octagon toward the end of 2026 as he continues to recover from a serious knee injury that has required multiple surgeries and an extended rehabilitation process.
The undefeated Kazakhstani welterweight, now 31 years old, has not competed since December 2024, meaning a return at the end of this year would mark exactly two years away from the sport. Rakhmonov carries a perfect 19-0-0 professional record and currently sits at number three in the UFC welterweight rankings. Standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach, he is one of the division's most physically imposing contenders and one of its most complete fighters. He lands 3.25 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 60 percent, while also averaging 1.4 takedowns and 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a combination that makes him a genuine threat in every phase of the fight.
No opponent has been named for his planned comeback, and no official date has been confirmed by the UFC.
Why it matters
- Rakhmonov's two-year absence puts his number-three welterweight ranking under pressure, as active contenders continue to make cases ahead of him.
- A perfect 19-0 record and elite finishing ability across all disciplines mean his return will immediately reshape the division's title picture.
- The lack of a named opponent leaves open significant questions about whether he steps straight back into a high-stakes contender fight or eases back in against a lower-ranked opponent.
