Shavkat Rakhmonov will not compete for the rest of 2026 as he recovers from injuries. He is expected to be ready to return in 2027.
Shavkat Rakhmonov will miss the remainder of 2026 due to injury, with the undefeated welterweight contender not expected to return to competition until 2027.
Rakhmonov, known as "Nomad," stands as one of the most compelling figures in the 170-pound division. The 31-year-old Kazakhstani carries a perfect 19-0-0 professional record and is currently ranked third in the welterweight division. Fighting out of DAR Team in an orthodox stance, the six-foot-four, 193-centimeter fighter brings a 77-inch reach and a well-rounded skill set that makes him a threat in every phase of the game. He lands 3.25 significant strikes per minute at a 60 percent striking accuracy rate, while also averaging 1.4 takedowns and 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes — numbers that reflect his ability to finish fights in multiple ways.
Why it matters
- Rakhmonov's absence removes the third-ranked welterweight contender from the title picture for the rest of the year
- Any potential matchups involving Rakhmonov in the 170-pound division will now be pushed into 2027 at the earliest
- His perfect record and divisional ranking mean the welterweight landscape shifts considerably without him in active contention
