How the ‘Nomad’s’ Injury Affects the Welterweight Title Picture
Undefeated UFC fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov was ranked number two in the company’s Welterweight Division. He was in the title picture after Islam Makhachev handily took the title from Jack Della Maddalena. Makhachev’s victory was so dominant that an immediate rematch made no sense for JDM, so some began to fantasy-book a title eliminator bout between JDM and Rakhmonov, with the winner attempting to dethrone Makhachev. These plans would come to a halt earlier this week when Rakhmonov’s manager announced he reinjured the knee that cost him his title fight against Belal Muhammad last year, which was the reason Muhammad fought JDM instead at UFC 315. Rakhmonov’s last bout was at UFC 310, where he beat Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision to earn the title shot against Muhammad. His long absence has caused the UFC to strip him of his top 15 ranking in the division and has opened the door for other top contenders to get their shot at the gold.
Who would replace Rakhmonov in the title eliminator bout? The most obvious answer would be Garry. Since his defeat against Rakhmonov, Garry has gone on to beat top-ten welterweight Carlos Prates and former champ Muhammad by unanimous decision. This has helped him rebuild momentum towards the Welterweight Championship. His loss to Rakhmonov remains his only professional MMA defeat. Another legitimate title contender would be Michael Morales. Undefeated like Rakhmonov, Morales has won all eight of his UFC fights, five by knockout.
A fight between JDM and Garry or Morales this year would help map out Makhachev’s next opponent. That title eliminator, whichever way you mix it, could easily be booked on a numbered UFC card and have a legitimate chance of winning Fight of the Night. The only glaring issue would be when Makhachev defends his title next. If the UFC waits too long to book the title eliminator, JDM, Garry, and Morales could injure themselves or face other personal setbacks, further delaying the search for the next title contender. There’s a possibility Makhachev may not fight in 2026. This might be an issue for some, but Makhachev is one of the most accomplished and dominant UFC fighters of all time. Whoever is next in line for the belt has to be a worthy opponent rather than a sacrificial lamb.
Where does this leave Rakhmonov? His manager said that he could fight towards the end of 2026 or early in 2027. As exciting as this sounds, Rakhmonov shouldn’t be rushing to get back into the octagon. Who knows what permanent damage will be lingering in the knee? There’s also the possibility that setbacks during the rehab further delay his recovery. What shape will he be in if his recovery goes well? Will he be as dominant as he was before the injury? Will he even be the same fighter he was before, or will he have to change his style due to his knee injuries? One thing’s for sure: a healthy ‘Nomad’ is a top contender and major threat in the UFC’s Welterweight Division. Fight fans hope to see him overcome these setbacks.
