Shavkat Rakhmonov’s physician provides positive update on undefeated star’s return timeline

It has now been 597 days since Shavkat Rakhmonov last fought within the UFC Octagon.

The last time ‘The Nomad’ competed within the UFC, he picked up a unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry, handing him his first ever loss.

Belal Muhammad was still reigning over the welterweight division and was even brought into the cage to face off with the Kazakh following his win.

Since then, Shavkat Rakhmonov has been stricken by continuous injuries to his knee and countless setbacks which have left him sidelined with no return date.

Which UFC weight class is currently the deepest and most fun?⚖️

Lightweight has at all times been thought to be the perfect weight class within the UFC, but several of the divisions at the moment are catching up.

Rakhmonov’s physician says nothing stopping him from return

After suffering countless injuries, Rakhmonov was eventually faraway from the welterweight rankings due to his inactivity, losing his spot at number two.

And now, it seems as if the 170lb division is somewhat moving on without him as recent contenders proceed to emerge at the highest.

Nonetheless, the 31-year-old’s long stint out of motion might be finally set to return to an end after his treating physician has provided a positive update on his ongoing injury.

“As for the timeline, there are not any longer any medical reasons stopping Shavkat from continuing his skilled profession,” Shavkat’s physician told Solaide UFC.

“The timing of his return now will depend on his strength and conditioning coaches and the way quickly he can get back into fighting shape. It also will depend on the UFC’s schedule.

“Every case is different. I believe we are able to expect to see Shavkat back competing within the Octagon in the beginning of next yr,” he continued.

With the Kazakh potentially set to return in the beginning of 2027, the division could look entirely different by the point he steps back into the Octagon.

Machado Garry is ready to face Islam Makhachev for the title in only a number of weeks time, and if the Irishman is successful in his pursuit of the strap, it could arrange for an interesting rematch with ‘The Nomad’.

Despite that, it is probably going that the 31-year-old will need a fight against one other contender before he fights for the title.

Who could Rakhmonov fight in his UFC return?

Former champion Jack Della Maddalena has at all times been extremely forthcoming together with his desire to fight Rakhmonov.

And with him having slipped down the rankings following back-to-back losses, it might be a fight that is sensible for him to return to the title picture.

Failing that, a fight with Sean Brady could also make sense for Shavkat as he looks to select up where he left off within the cage.