💔 IS THIS THE END FOR SHAVKAT RAKHMONOV? More heartbreaking news for the undefeated welterweight contender. According to recent reports, Shavkat Rakhmonov is dealing with another setback involving his injured knee, which reportedly still cannot handle intense training. His return could now be delayed until June 2027 at the earliest, although nothing has been officially confirmed. The 19-0 Kazakh star hasn’t stepped inside the Octagon since defeating Ian Machado Garry in December 2024. Once considered a future UFC champion, Rakhmonov has spent nearly two years battling injuries instead of fighting for gold. At this point, the biggest question isn’t whether Shavkat can become champion. It’s whether we’ll ever see him back at 100%. 💔 Do you think Shavkat Rakhmonov will ever return to his best? For more UFC news and updates, please consider following @mmasterclass_. #ufc #mma #fight #news #sports
Shavkat Rakhmonov's long wait for a return to the Octagon may stretch even further. Reports say the undefeated welterweight is dealing with another setback to his injured knee, which reportedly still cannot handle intense training, and a comeback could now be pushed back to June 2027 at the earliest. None of this has been officially confirmed.
If the timeline holds, the gap would be considerable. Rakhmonov's most recent recorded fight was his unanimous-decision win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 on December 7, 2024, a five-round contest. From that date to June 2027 is roughly two and a half years without a bout.
The fighter
Rakhmonov, 32, is 19-0 and fights out of Kazakhstan for DAR Team. The orthodox fighter stands six-foot-four (193 cm) with a 77-inch (196 cm) reach, a frame that has helped him in both striking and grappling exchanges.
His numbers back up the unbeaten record. He lands 3.25 significant strikes per minute at 60 percent accuracy, and averages 1.4 takedowns and 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes. The finishing threat is visible in his recent history: before the Garry decision, he submitted Stephen Thompson in the second round at UFC 296 in December 2023, and Geoff Neal in the third round at UFC 285 in March 2023.
Why it matters
- Age: Rakhmonov would be around 34 by the reported return date, a significant stretch of what is normally a fighter's prime spent on the sidelines.
- Division: Without a timetable for his comeback, the welterweight title picture has to be sorted out without one of its most dangerous contenders.
- Form: The Garry fight was the only one of his last three recorded bouts to go the distance, so any rust would be tested against a fighter who has historically ended fights early.
The reported delay would add to what has already been a lengthy absence, with the knee at the center of the problem. Any firm return date would have to come from Rakhmonov's camp or the UFC.
