Islam Makhachev recently gave his opinion on whether Shavkat Rakhmonov deserves a title shot if the latter returns to the capital. octagon in 2026.
Rakhmonov’s last fight was in 2024 against Ian Machado Garry, which ‘Nomad’ won by unanimous decision. After that fight he is on the sideline due to a meniscus injury and partial ACL tear. The Kazakh fighter had to undergo surgery and after recovery and rehabilitation, he is now expected to return to the Octagon in February or March 2026.
Rakhmonov was previously scheduled to fight then-welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 310. However, Muhammad withdrew due to a bone infection, after which ‘The Future’ intervened on short notice and lost to ‘Nomad’. After this fight, Rakhmonov remained out of action due to the aforementioned knee injury and Muhammad was dethroned at UFC 315 earlier this year.
Despite its inactivity, ‘Nomad’ has recently retaken the city Number 2 on the list at 170 poundswith many speculating whether the UFC will give him his next title shot despite being out of action for over a year.
Islam Makhachev believes that Shavkat Rakhmonov does not deserve a title shot when he returns
The new UFC welterweight champion believes that despite his undefeated record and number two contender status, Shavkat Rakhmonov needs to win a fight before he gets a title shot.
In a recent interview with UshataykaWhen the Russian fighter was asked if he considers Rakhmonov his most dangerous opponent, Makhachev said:
“Well, if Shavkat comes back, I don’t think anyone will give him a title shot right away. If they book it, I have no problem at all. The guy hasn’t fought in over a year. He probably needs to win a fight first to earn a shot at the belt.”
Take a look at Islam Makhachev’s comments about Shavkat Rachmonov below:
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