Shavkat Rakhmonov injury update: New footage boosts UFC return hopes

Shavkat Rakhmonov's recovery from repeated knee injuries has shown encouraging signs, offering hope that the undefeated welterweight will make his Octagon return sooner rather than later.

Rakhmonov (19–0) has been sidelined since defeating Ian Garry in December 2024. He was expected to challenge then-champion Belal Muhammad in 2025, but a knee injury forced a delay. Although his team initially projected a one-year recovery window, Rakhmonov suffered a second knee injury during training and underwent surgery, which set his comeback timeline back further. When recent footage emerged of him walking with braces and a walking stick, fans grew concerned that his return might be distant.

Recent training videos posted by his coaching staff suggest the tide has turned. The Kazakh 170-pounder can be seen wrestling, bouncing on his feet while striking, and even attempting guillotine chokes—all indicators of genuine progress. His team now believes he will be fit to return in early 2027.

Rakhmonov was removed from the UFC welterweight rankings during his absence, a reflection of his extended injury layoff. Meanwhile, the title landscape has shifted dramatically: the belt has changed hands twice since his last fight. Ian Garry, whom Rakhmonov defeated, is now poised to challenge Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 on August 15 in Philadelphia. Once Rakhmonov returns, he will be aiming to reclaim his spot atop the contender pecking order.