Shavkat Rakhmonov's Future in the Octagon Uncertain: Another Surgery Looms, Potentially sidelining Him for Months
The UFC's rising star, Shavkat Rakhmonov, faces a setback that could significantly impact his fighting career. Rakhmonov, who had been on a remarkable winning streak, is expected to undergo another surgery, which will likely keep him out of the octagon for an extended period. This news comes as a disappointment to fans and a challenge to his aspirations of becoming a champion.
Rakhmonov's manager, Daniel Rubenstein, confirmed the upcoming surgery, which will address a re-injured knee. The injury is a recurring issue, and the surgery is anticipated to take nine to ten months to recover. This means the 31-year-old Rakhmonov, who has an impressive 19-0 record, might miss most, if not all, of 2026. The news was initially reported by Ariel Helwani, a prominent sports journalist.
Social media users were quick to react to a video of Rakhmonov attending a Naiza FC event in Kazakhstan, where he was seen wearing a knee brace and using crutches. The video sparked concern among fans, who are now left wondering about the fighter's future. Rakhmonov's last fight was a five-round co-main event victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 in December 2024. He was set to challenge the then-champion Belal Muhammad but had to adjust his plans due to Muhammad's injury.
Rakhmonov's impressive record includes victories over top-ranked opponents like Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen Thompson. His talent and undefeated record had earned him a UFC welterweight title shot, but this recent development may delay his pursuit of the championship.
As the sports world waits for updates on Rakhmonov's recovery, the question remains: How will this setback affect his journey to the top? Will he be able to overcome this challenge and continue his dominant run in the UFC? The answer to these questions will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
