The status of highly-ranked UFC welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov has been officially clarified, effectively easing widespread concerns that emerged following a recent and persistent rumor.
The UFC`s welterweight division is on the brink of significant transformations in the coming months. A prominent bout was recently announced, featuring Belal Muhammad against Ian Machado Garry, scheduled for November at UFC Doha. However, another key figure in the division, Shavkat Rakhmonov, has been noticeably absent from the promotion`s plans throughout 2025 due to a prolonged recovery period.
Rumor of Shavkat Rakhmonov`s Knee Re-injury Officially Debunked
Fans had previously voiced their frustration regarding Shavkat Rakhmonov`s declared intention to wait for a guaranteed title shot after earning one in his last outing. While there were indications that this strategy might be evolving, with Rakhmonov linked to potential opponents for an early 2026 return, a recent and alarming rumor threatened to complicate these plans.
UPFRONT MMA, citing a digital news channel from Kazakhstan, 24KZ, claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that “Nomad” had suffered a re-injury to the very same knee that had required surgery following his fight at UFC 310. This report immediately reignited criticism from the fanbase, with some even calling for Rakhmonov to be cut from the UFC roster. Comparisons were drawn to Zabit Magomedsharipov, who also faced a career-shortening series of injuries. Online comments reflected this sentiment, including phrases like “He’s a bum and should be cut from the UFC” and “He’s the new Zabit [Magomedsharipov],” alongside desperate hopes that the news would prove untrue.
Fortunately, journalist Dimash Tulegenov delivered a crucial update via vesti.kz, directly addressing the concerning rumor. Tulegenov contacted Rakhmonov’s manager, Sayat Abdrakhmanov, who unequivocally confirmed that the rumor was entirely false, stating reassuringly that “everything is fine” with the fighter. This clarification comes as a significant relief to Rakhmonov`s dedicated fanbase.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Holds One of MMA`s Longest Active Win Streaks
It remains to be seen precisely how Shavkat Rakhmonov will reintegrate into the welterweight division once he is fully prepared to return. With several high-profile fights scheduled for the near future, the divisional landscape could appear dramatically different by the time he steps back inside the Octagon.
Despite the prevailing uncertainty, Rakhmonov boasts an extraordinary professional record of 19 consecutive victories, with seven of those triumphs occurring under the UFC banner. This impressive undefeated streak places him in a tie for the longest active winning streak in mixed martial arts. Other elite fighters currently sharing this distinction include Valentin Benishev, Movsar Evloev, and Usman Nurmagomedov.
Given his consistent success and remarkable accomplishments, it is widely anticipated that “Nomad” will swiftly re-establish himself in the title contention conversation once his return to active competition is officially confirmed.
| MMA Fighters on 19+ Consecutive Wins (Active) |
|---|
| Shavkat Rakhmonov |
| Valentin Benishev |
| Movsar Evloev |
| Usman Nurmagomedov |
