Stephen Thompson issues warning about Shavkat Rakhmonov’s return

Stephen Thompson has issued a stark warning about Shavkat Rakhmonov's impending return to the UFC welterweight division, cautioning that the undefeated fighter will come back more formidable than ever despite an extended absence from competition.

Rakhmonov, who remains unbeaten at 19–0, last fought in December 2024 when he defeated Ian Garry. A knee injury subsequently sidelined him for an extended period, forcing him out of the title picture as the welterweight strap cycled through multiple hands. Jack Della Maddalena captured the belt from Belal Muhammad before Islam Makhachev claimed it and defended against Garry at UFC 330. The prolonged layoff cost Rakhmonov his ranking, effectively removing him from the immediate title conversation.

Thompson, who suffered a submission loss to Rakhmonov in 2023, knows firsthand what the Central Asian striker brings to the octagon. In comments to Home of Fight, Thompson stressed that inactivity should not be mistaken for complacency. "Huge threat," Thompson said. "The guy is very skillful everywhere. Just because you don't see this guy fighting, a lot of people think he's not been training. This dude has been a through-and-through martial artist since day one. That's all he does is train."

Thompson's assessment suggests Rakhmonov will return not merely recovered but evolved, with a sharper mindset and renewed hunger. The veteran welterweight believes the time away will have only intensified Rakhmonov's drive, making him a more dangerous competitor upon his comeback. For the division's elite, Thompson's warning underscores that Rakhmonov, though absent from the rankings, remains a legitimate threat capable of reshaping the welterweight landscape.