Shavkat Rakhmonov has delivered the kind of update MMA fans were hoping to avoid.
The Kazakhstani fighter has been out of action since his win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 in December 2024.
A knee injury that needed surgery has kept him from competing ever since.
The unbeaten welterweight was aiming for a comeback early in 2026, but those plans have been pushed back again due to another setback.
Shavkat Rakhmonov confirms fresh injury setback
Rakhmonov was recently seen in a knee brace, moving around with the help of crutches.
The welterweight contender confirmed the speculation, sharing an update via social media.
“A fighter’s path has never been easy,” Rakhmonov posted on X.
“Life doesn’t give us challenges we can’t overcome. Every dream comes at a price, and sometimes that price is your health.
“Today, I have to be honest: due to ongoing injuries, I’ve had another surgery and will need time to fully recover. As a result, my return to the Octagon will be postponed.
“It’s not easy to accept, but I truly believe every setback is part of a bigger plan. I will come back stronger, smarter, and hungrier than ever.
“My goal is still alive. The UFC belt still has to come to Kazakhstan.
“Thank you to everyone who stands by me no matter what. This is not the end of the journey, it’s an important chapter of it.”
Who is next for Islam Makhachev?
With Rakhmonov now out of the picture, attention has turned to what is next for the welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev moved up from lightweight and claimed the 170lb belt after outpointing Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November.
He has since campaigned to defend his new title against Kamaru Usman, who remains one of the biggest names in the division despite a recent run of poor form. Usman has only one win in his last four bouts.
Many fans believe Ian Machado Garry and Michael Morales are more deserving challengers at this point. Both have built strong cases for a title shot, and public opinion appears to be leaning their way.
It remains to be seen who Dana White and the UFC matchmakers will select for Makhachev’s first defence.
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