In a significant development for the UFC's welterweight division, undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov has been officially removed from the promotion's rankings. This decision comes as the Kazakh fighter continues to battle persistent injury woes, having recently undergone a second surgical procedure on his knee.
Injury Timeline Derails Title Aspirations
Rakhmonov last competed in December 2024, securing a hard-fought victory over Ian Machado Garry in a number one contender's bout. That win was supposed to propel him directly into a championship clash with then-champion Belal Muhammad. However, the planned title shot collapsed when Rakhmonov revealed he had been competing with a knee injury during the Garry fight, which subsequently worsened and forced his withdrawal.
The situation became more complicated when Muhammad himself suffered a bone infection in his foot, originally postponing their December 2024 matchup. This allowed Ian Machado Garry to step in as a replacement opponent, becoming the first fighter not to be stopped by Rakhmonov, though the Kazakh still emerged victorious via decision.
Championship Landscape Shifts During Absence
During Rakhmonov's extended absence from competition, the welterweight title has changed hands multiple times. Belal Muhammad returned to action in May 2025 only to lose his championship to Jack Della Maddalena. The belt then transferred again in November when Islam Makhachev defeated Della Maddalena to become the new welterweight champion.
Throughout this period of championship musical chairs, Rakhmonov maintained his intention to challenge for the title immediately upon his return to fitness. However, those plans have now been substantially delayed following his recent re-injury and subsequent surgery.
Extended Recovery Timeline Confirmed
The UFC's decision to remove Rakhmonov from their rankings reflects medical assessments indicating the fighter will not return to competition until late 2026 at the very earliest. This extended timeline follows his second knee surgery within the past year, a procedure necessitated by the re-aggravation of his existing injury.
Visual evidence of Rakhmonov's condition emerged in late January when social media circulated a video showing the 31-year-old fighter using crutches and wearing a substantial leg brace. This footage preceded Rakhmonov's own formal statement regarding his health status and recovery process.
Fighter's Statement Addresses Setback
In a heartfelt social media post, Rakhmonov acknowledged the challenges he currently faces. "A fighter's path has never been easy," he wrote. "Life doesn't give us challenges we can't overcome. Every dream comes at a price and sometimes that price is your health."
The Kazakh star continued with refreshing honesty about his situation: "Today, I have to be honest: due to ongoing injuries, I've had another surgery and will need time to fully recover. As a result, my return to the Octagon will be postponed."
Despite the setback, Rakhmonov struck a determined tone, emphasizing his belief that "every setback is part of a bigger plan" and vowing to return "stronger, smarter, and hungrier than ever." He reaffirmed his ultimate ambition, stating: "My goal is still alive. The UFC belt still has to come to Kazakhstan."
Future Matchup Speculation
The potential championship clash between the unbeaten Rakhmonov (19-0, with 18 stoppages) and reigning champion Islam Makhachev (28-1, also with 18 stoppages) represents one of the most anticipated matchups in the welterweight division. However, with Rakhmonov's extended absence, this compelling contest appears increasingly distant.
In the interim, speculation has intensified that Makhachev, 34, may defend his newly-won title against former champion Kamaru Usman, 38, while awaiting Rakhmonov's eventual return to full fitness and competitive form.
The removal of such a highly-ranked contender from the official UFC rankings creates significant implications for the welterweight division's immediate future, potentially opening opportunities for other contenders while one of the division's most dangerous fighters focuses on rehabilitation.
