Shavkat Rakhmonov expected to miss several more months after another surgery

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Shavkat Rakhmonov of Uzbekistan warms up prior to his fight during the UFC 310 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC)

Shavkat Rakhmonov is likely going to miss most, if not all of 2026.

The undefeated Rakhmonov, who earned a UFC welterweight title shot after a spectacular start to his promotional run, is expected to miss another nine to 10 months of action following surgery to his re-injured knee, Rakhmonov’s manager Daniel Rubenstein confirmed to MMA Fighting on Saturday. The news was first reported by Ariel Helwani.

Social media reacted to a video that showed Rakhmonov attending Saturday’s Naiza FC 80 event in Kazakhstan wearing a knee brace and needing crutches. The news serves as a massive blow to the 19-0 fighter, who turned 31 this past October.

Shavkat Rakhmonov was spotted walking with crutches and a knee brace

He hasn’t fought since December 2024 due to a knee injury

(h/t @octagonupdate)

pic.twitter.com/349R3q8ByZ

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 31, 2026

Rakhmonov hasn’t competed since defeating Ian Machado Garry in a five-round co-main event at UFC 310 in December 2024. “Nomad” was slated to challenge then-champion Belal Muhammad before having to adjust following Muhammad suffering an injury. The No. 3 ranked welterweight in MMA Fighting’s Global Rankings finished his first six octagon opponents, including Neil Magny, Geoff Neal and Stephen Thompson.

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