Shavkat Rakhmonov’s future inside the Octagon has been called into question following yet another setback with his troublesome knee.
Speaking to Daniel Cormier, fellow UFC welterweight Sean Brady offered a bleak assessment of the undefeated contender’s chances of returning to competition.
“I don’t think Shavkat is ever going to fight again. I think he’s done because every time he tries to come back, his knee just keeps going out. He just can’t make it through a camp.”
A Knee Injury That Won’t Let Up: Shavkat Rakhmonov
The root of the concern is a recurring knee problem that has derailed Shavkat Rakhmonov’s career at a crucial stage. The same knee has suffered both an ACL tear and a meniscus tear, with the injuries repeatedly disrupting his training camps and keeping him sidelined.
Rakhmonov was removed from the UFC rankings earlier this year before knee surgery, further highlighting the severity of the issue.
His most recent fight came against Ian Machado Garry in 2024, and since then, his injury troubles have continued to prevent him from making a sustained return. Rakhmonov underwent another surgery on the same knee this year, forcing him to begin the rehabilitation process once again.
Before the injuries began piling up, Rakhmonov was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous contenders in the welterweight division. His unbeaten record and dominant performances had him on a clear path toward a UFC title opportunity.
Rakhmonov could have already challenged for UFC gold had he been able to remain healthy and active. Instead, his momentum has been repeatedly halted by injuries rather than anything that has happened inside the cage.
Also in 2024, Rakhmonov was scheduled to face then-UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad, but the bout was ultimately canceled after Muhammad suffered a bone infection. With the title fight off the table, Rakhmonov instead faced Ian Machado Garry in a welterweight title eliminator and defeated ‘The Future’ after 5 dominant rounds both on the feet and on the ground.
Where Things Stand Now for Shavkat Rakhmonov
Despite the setbacks, Shavkat Rakhmonov is reportedly back in training and working toward another comeback. His doctors have indicated that he could potentially return to competition sometime next year, although no fight has been officially announced.
The latest comments underscore the uncertainty surrounding Rakhmonov’s future. Repeated injuries to the same knee can make a return to the highest level of MMA increasingly difficult, particularly for a fighter who relies on intense training camps and explosive movement.
Rakhmonov has yet to prove that his career is nearing its end, however. If he can make a full recovery and stay healthy through an entire training camp, he could still return to the welterweight title picture. For now, though, his long-awaited comeback remains uncertain.
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