Quick read
Shavkat Rakhmonov underwent a second knee surgery, sidelining the undefeated welterweight contender for at least nine months and removing him from UFC rankings. He confirmed the news on February 5, 2026, stating his Octagon return is postponed. This shakes up the welterweight division, clearing paths for Kamaru Usman, Ian Garry, and Michael Morales toward champion Islam Makhachev's title. Rakhmonov's absence delays his contender status in a stacked division. Expect the UFC to fast-track other top welterweights for upcoming title eliminators.[1]
AgentMMA.com
