Shavkat Rakhmonov's Knee Injury Has Sidelined Him for 1.5 Years After Win Over Ian Garry

Shavkat Rakhmonov, one of the most feared welterweights on the planet, has been sidelined for roughly a year and a half following a knee injury sustained after his victory over Ian Garry, with the Kazakhstani contender still yet to return to the Octagon as of July 2026.

Rakhmonov, known as "Nomad," entered the injury period in the best form of his career. The 31-year-old orthodox fighter from Kazakhstan stands six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach and carries a perfect 19-0-0 professional record. Ranked third in the UFC welterweight division, he had just delivered a statement win over Ian Garry — currently the division's number-one contender — cementing his status as one of the sport's most dangerous competitors. His statistical profile reinforces that reputation: he lands 3.25 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 60 percent accuracy rate, while also generating 1.4 takedowns and 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes, a combination that makes him a credible threat in every phase of a fight.

The extended absence has left a significant gap in the welterweight landscape. A fighter of Rakhmonov's caliber, unbeaten and coming off a high-profile win, would ordinarily be next in line for a title shot — but the layoff has complicated that picture considerably.

Why it matters

• Rakhmonov's perfect record and top-three ranking make his return one of the most anticipated events in the welterweight division
• The Garry win established him as a legitimate title challenger, but 18 months on the shelf raises questions about timeline and positioning
• His all-around skill set — elite striking accuracy combined with a persistent grappling threat — makes him a uniquely dangerous opponent for anyone at 170 pounds once he is healthy