Shavkat Rakhmonov May Not Fight in 2026, Says Coach
Shavkat Rakhmonov's manager has given his fans some devastating news as the Russian recovers from a leg injury.
Fight fans holding out hope for Shavkat Rakhmonov's swift return to the Octagon might want to settle in for a long wait.
The undefeated Kazakh star may not compete at all in 2026 as he continues recovering from a serious injury. Rakhmonovā€™s coach revealed the sobering news during a recent interview, signaling that the welterweight division's most dangerous finisher needs far more recovery time before making another walk to the cage.
"We can't yet give a precise date for Shavkat's return. Because everyone recovers from injury differently. I think next year. In my opinion, he could be fully ready for battle in February 2027, but it's still impossible to give a precise timeframe for when Shavkat Rakhmonov will recover," says Eduard Bazrov.
The news serves as a massive blow to the 170-pound division, where "Nomad" sits on the brink of a title shot.
Conflicting Updates on Return Date
The timeline around Rakhmonov's health has produced plenty of mixed signals over recent days.
While his head trainer struck a cautious tone about keeping him sidelined for the remainder of the year, separate reports from Rakhmonov's physician offered a far more optimistic update. That medical update hinted at positive progress in his rehab protocol, keeping a small window open for an end-of-year comeback if his physical therapy accelerates smoothly.
Still, his coaching team remains adamant about prioritizing long-term health over a rushed timeline.
The stats reflect just how dominant Rakhmonov has been inside the Octagon. Representing Kill Cliff FC, the 31-year-old holds a spotless 19-0 professional record, boasting an astonishing 18 stoppage victories with eight knockouts and 10 submissions. He lands 3.25 significant strikes per minute with a 60% striking accuracy, while completing 1.40 takedowns per 15 minutes and maintaining an 86% takedown defense.
Rakhmonov last fought at UFC 310, going the distance for the first time in his career to earn a five-round unanimous decision over Ian Machado Garry. That victory solidified his spot near the top of the welterweight ladder, but this latest injury hiccup stalls his title ambitions.
Whether the elite finisher returns late in the year or waits until 2027, the promotion will likely hold a top contender slot open for him the moment he gets full medical clearance.
