Undefeated welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov has suffered another knee injury, putting his long-awaited UFC return in jeopardy. The setback has reportedly pushed his potential comeback timeline out to June 2027.
Recent Setbacks and Timeline
According to reports from Russian MMA outlets, Rakhmonov re-injured his knee as it could not withstand training strain. The 19-0 fighter has not stepped into the Octagon since UFC 310 in December 2024, when he defeated Ian Garry despite entering the bout with severe knee damage.
That December 2024 appearance resulted in tears to both his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus. After initially attempting conservative treatment and rest, he underwent surgery on January 31, 2026, with an anticipated recovery window of nine to 10 months.
Recovery and Ranking Impacts
Coaching updates previously showed Rakhmonov returning to conditioning and sparring, prompting manager Daniel Rubenstein to suggest in May 2026 that a 2027 return was likely. However, this latest complication brings renewed uncertainty, paralleling the severe career impacts recurring knee issues have had on fighters like Dominick Cruz.
The extended absence already resulted in Rakhmonov being removed from the official UFC welterweight rankings in February 2026 following 13 months away from the sport. Although a recent TikTok post hinted at a potential matchup against Michael Morales, Morales has since been scheduled to face Carlos Prates for the interim welterweight championship at UFC 336.
Rakhmonov’s immediate focus remains on recovering full health in his knee before any future return to competition can be planned.
