Shavkat Rakhmonov targeting UFC return near end of 2026 after knee rehab

Shavkat Rakhmonov is planning his next UFC fight for late 2026 as he continues rehabilitation from a knee injury and surgeries. The undefeated welterweight contender remains in recovery mode and not yet in fighting condition. If he returns in December as planned, his layoff will total exactly two years since his last fight. The extended absence could impact his standing in the highly competitive welterweight division. Rakhmonov was considered a rising title contender before the injury derailed his momentum.