Shavkat Rakhmonov's coach has confirmed that the welterweight contender is not retiring and is preparing to return to the octagon. The coach stated that Rakhmonov would have publicly addressed his fans in advance if he intended to end his career, and no such conversation has taken place. He emphasized that the team's focus remains on training and preparation for an upcoming return.
Shavkat Rakhmonov's coach has moved to put retirement speculation to rest, publicly confirming that the undefeated welterweight contender is not walking away from the sport and is actively preparing for a return to the octagon.
Rakhmonov, known by his nickname "Nomad," carries a perfect 19-0-0 professional record and stands as one of the most dangerous fighters in the 170-pound division. The 31-year-old from Kazakhstan trains out of DAR Team and brings an imposing physical frame to the cage — standing six-foot-four with a 77-inch reach. His numbers across the board reflect a well-rounded finishing threat: 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 has allowed him to remain undefeated across his entire professional career.
The coach's comments came in direct response to apparent speculation about Rakhmonov's future. He made clear that if the Kazakh fighter had any intention of retiring, he would have spoken to his fans directly before any such decision became public. No such conversation has happened, the coach stressed, and the team's current focus is squarely on training and preparation for an upcoming fight.
Why it matters
- Rakhmonov's perfect record makes him one of the most closely watched welterweights in the UFC, and any prolonged absence tends to generate retirement rumors.
- His return keeps one of the division's most compelling finishing threats active at 170 pounds, where contender movement at the top of the rankings carries significant title implications.
- With elite striking efficiency and a consistent submission threat, his style creates problems across a range of matchups, making his return a meaningful event for the welterweight landscape.
