Islam Makhachev just lately gave his opinion on whether or not Shavkat Rakhmonov deserves a title shot when he returns to the Octagon in 2026.
Rakhmonov’s final struggle was in 2024 in opposition to Ian Machado Garry, which “The Nomad” received by unanimous choice. After that recreation, he was sidelined with a torn meniscus and {a partially} torn anterior cruciate ligament. The Kazakh fighter required surgical procedure and, after restoration and rehabilitation, is at present scheduled to return to the Octagon in February or March 2026.
Rakhmonov was beforehand scheduled to face then-welterweight champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 310. Nevertheless, Muhammad was withdrawn because of a bone an infection, after which “The Future” instantly appeared and misplaced to “Nomad”. After that struggle, Rakhmonov remained sidelined because of the aforementioned knee damage, and Muhammad was stripped of the title at UFC 315 earlier this 12 months.
Regardless of his hiatus, “Nomad” just lately reclaimed the No. 2 spot on the 170-pound record, main many to invest that the UFC will give him one other shot on the title regardless of being out of motion for over a 12 months.
Islam Makhachev believes Shavkat Rakhmonov just isn’t worthy of a title shot after his return
The newly topped UFC welterweight champion believes Shavkat Rakhmonov has to win the struggle earlier than he can get a shot on the title, regardless of his undefeated report and being the No. 2 contender.
In a latest interview with Ushataika, when requested if Russian fighters thought of Rakhmonov to be probably the most harmful opponent, Makhachev stated: “Sure.
“Nicely, even when Shafqat comes again, I do not assume anybody will give him a title struggle straight away. In the event that they e-book it, I am completely superb with it. He hasn’t had a struggle in over a 12 months. He most likely must win a struggle first to get an opportunity on the belt.”
Try Islam Makhachev’s feedback about Shavkat. Rakumonov Beneath:
