Shavkat Rakhmonov, the welterweight division's enigmatic figure, is gearing up for a potential return to the octagon. In an exclusive interview, Rakhmonov, who has amassed an impressive 19-0 MMA record, revealed his plans and the road to recovery from a knee injury that sidelined him for nearly a year. With a resilient spirit, he's now training and aiming to resume his quest for the belt.
Rakhmonov's last bout in December 2024 showcased his tenacity, as he battled through a meniscus and partial ACL tear, securing a unanimous decision victory over Ian Machado Garry. Despite Garry's claims of injury, Rakhmonov's determination to fight prevailed. Now, he's ready to reclaim his place in the division.
'It wasn't an easy year, but I'm grateful for the progress,' Rakhmonov shared. 'I'm back in training, and I'm eager to see how the division unfolds. I'm targeting a return by the end of February or March.'
The Kazakh fighter's sights are set on the welterweight title, currently held by Islam Makhachev. However, with Makhachev's recent victory, Rakhmonov acknowledges the challenge of securing an immediate title shot. He explains, 'I prefer to fight for the title next, but my timeline doesn't align with Makhachev's April or May defense. I'm prepared to fight him, but I also respect the opportunity I had to avoid surgery and rest, which was promised as a future title shot.'
Rakhmonov's journey is a testament to his resilience, and he remains confident in his ability to reclaim his position as the division's top contender.
