Islam Makhachev lately gave his opinion on whether or not Shavkat Rakhmonov deserves a title shot when the latter makes his return to the octagon in 2026.
Rakhmonov’s final combat was in 2024 towards Ian Machado Garry, which ‘Nomad’ received by unanimous choice. After that combat, he has been on the sidelines due to a meniscus harm and partial ACL tear. The Kazakh fighter needed to endure surgical procedure, and following restoration and rehabilitation, he’s now anticipated to return to the octagon in February or March 2026.
Rakhmonov was beforehand slated to combat then-welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 310. Nonetheless, Muhammad pulled out as a consequence of a bone an infection, after which ‘The Future’ stepped in on quick discover and misplaced to ‘Nomad.’ After this bout, Rakhmonov remained out of motion due to the aforementioned knee harm, and Muhammad was dethroned earlier this yr at UFC 315.
Regardless of his inactivity, ‘Nomad’ lately recaptured the No. 2 spot on the 170-pound record, with many speculating whether or not the UFC will give him the subsequent title shot, regardless of being out of motion for greater than a yr.
Islam Makhachev thinks Shavkat Rakhmonov doesn’t deserve a title shot upon return
The newly minted UFC welterweight champion believes Shavkat Rakhmonov, regardless of his undefeated file and quantity two contender standing, has to win a combat earlier than getting a title shot.
In a latest interview with Ushatayka, when the Russian fighter was requested if he considers Rakhmonov as his most harmful opponent, Makhachev mentioned:
“Effectively, if Shavkat comes again, I don’t assume anybody will give him a title shot instantly. In the event that they do e-book it, I’ve no downside in any respect. The man hasn’t fought in over a yr. He most likely must win a combat first to earn a shot on the belt.”
Try Islam Makhachev’s feedback about Shavkat Rakhmonov under:
