Shavkat Rakhmonov Faces Injury Setback, Delays UFC Return

Shavkat Rakhmonov's return to the UFC has been delayed due to another injury, sparking concerns about his health 509 days after his last fight.

What happened to Shavkat Rakhmonov?

Rakhmonov was initially targeting a return early in 2026 but confirmed in February that another injury had pushed back his return date. He won an eliminator in his last bout, which took place because Belal Muhammad withdrew from their title fight.

How are fans reacting to the news?

Fans have expressed concern after seeing footage of Rakhmonov's recovery, with comments like 'He's lost a lot of muscle mass' and 'Wow poor guy his legs have withered away'. Some fans admitted they don't think he'll ever fight again, with one user writing, 'Dude's never coming back, division moved on from him a long time ago.' Rakhmonov was removed from the welterweight rankings in February after being next in line for a title shot before his long layoff.

What's next for Shavkat Rakhmonov?

Via his Instagram story, 'Nomad' recently shared a video of him getting rehab done, but the footage ended up producing some concerned reactions. Others commented that they don't think he'll be the same fighter again, with one fan saying, 'Damn, we may never see him fight again, and if he does come back, he will be nothing like he was in his prime.' Ian Machado Garry has taken credit for Rakhmonov being out of the title picture following their fight, with some comments calling for the knee stomps used by the Irishman to be banned. Rakhmonov's undefeated record and potential title shot are now in jeopardy due to his injuries. The UFC community is eagerly awaiting his return, but for now, his health remains the top priority.