Makhachov has repeatedly admitted this Carlos Prates and Michael Morales as the top two contenders for the next welterweight title
Ultimate Fighting Championship. In a recent interview with ALF Global, Rahmonov expressed his disappointment that Makhachov did not mention him, who has now issued a response.
Islam Makhachov questions Shavkat Rakhmonov’s UFC title fight schedule
Makhachov investigated the persistent health problems of the undefeated Kazakh. The UFC lightweight champion is questioning whether he should wait a year and a half to fight Rahmonov. However, Makhachov clarifies that he will not reject the fight with Rahmonov if “Nomad” recovers, and confirms his candidate.
“Well, Rahmonov recently gave an interview with a huge brace on his knee and he says he wants to fight; I want to answer his interview,” Makhachov told Match TV. “He’s saying I should have picked him. Pick him and wait 1.5 years? Let him heal and he’ll be one candidate. I never said I wouldn’t fight him.”
Makhachov (29-1) won the welterweight title As Jack Della Maddalena last year and defended against it in August
Ian Garrywhose only career loss before facing Makhachov was to Rahmonov. However, Rakhmonov (19-0) has not fought since defeating Garry in December 2024. He underwent knee surgery after the fight and re-injured it during his recovery, leading to another operation.
😅🇰🇿 Islam Makhachov answers Shavkat Rakhmonov who was unhappy that he was not mentioned as a candidate for:
“He gave an interview with a giant brace on his knee. He wants me to pick him and then wait 1.5 years for him to heal?”
🎥 MATCH TV pic.twitter.com/u5ayP5D7zz
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight)
September 9, 2026