Shavkat Rakhmonov has claimed he was initially to problem Jack Della Maddalena when the Aussie was reigning UFC welterweight champion.
Nevertheless, since Islam Makhachev vacated his 155-pound title after 4 defenses, he was thought of the extra privileged fighter and due to this fact acquired the 170-pound title shot forward of Rakhmonov. “Nomad” isn’t towards Makhachev getting the championship alternative over him.
Shavkat Rakhmonov has solely acknowledged what the unique plan was and the way issues modified with shakeups within the UFC light-weight and welterweight divisions in 2025. He informed ALF Global throughout a latest sit-down:
“The state of affairs within the division’s modified. [Ilia] Topuria moved as much as 155 kilos. They requested Islam [Makahchev] to battle JDM. However really, I used to be presupposed to battle JDM, however Islam nonetheless has a bit extra privilege than I do, as he was the UFC light-weight champion.”
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No matter Rakhmonov has stated makes whole sense. He was initially going to battle for the UFC welterweight strap in 2024 when Belal Muhammad was the champion. Nevertheless, at the moment, Muhammad was affected by a bone an infection and due to this fact couldn’t defend his title towards Rakhmonov. Thus, Rakhmonov and Garry fought in a No. 1 contender bout, which “Nomad” gained. Nevertheless, after the battle, Rakhmonov needed to endure surgical procedure, and whereas he was recovering, “Keep in mind the Identify” misplaced his title to “JDM.”
In the meantime, at UFC 322, whereas Rakhmonov was nonetheless recovering, Makahchev moved up and defeated Jack Della Maddalena to grow to be the brand new UFC welterweight champion.
The 2-division champion and P4P king has additionally efficiently defended his 170-pound strap as soon as, most lately at UFC 330 towards Rakhmonov’s former opponent and coaching companion, Garry.
When will Shavkat Rakhmonov be again?
The undefeated Kazakh fighter has remained on the sidelines for practically 2 years now. Shavkat Rakhmonov has suffered a recurring partial ACL tear and meniscus harm in the identical knee, for which he needed to go below the knife a number of occasions. Earlier this yr, when everybody hoped he would return to the octagon, he injured the identical knee once more.
A number of months in the past, he was additionally faraway from the official UFC rankings as a result of inactivity from harm and no clear return timeline.
However there may be excellent news now. Following one other surgical procedure, “Nomad” is again in coaching and is plotting his return. His doctor believes Rakhmonov will likely be able to battle on the “beginning of next year.”
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