Shavkat Rakhmonov targets late 2026 return after two-year injury layoff

Shavkat Rakhmonov plans to return to the UFC octagon later this year, likely around December, after undergoing a lengthy rehabilitation process. The Kazakh welterweight has been recovering from a serious knee injury that required multiple surgeries. If he fights in December as planned, it will mark exactly two years since his last UFC appearance. Rakhmonov continues his rehabilitation and is hopeful to return to competition before the year ends. The welterweight contender remains one of the division's top undefeated prospects despite the extended absence.