The undefeated middleweight recently shared footage of him doing some light wrestling on his Instagram stories. Rahmonov has not competed since December 2024, with several injuries preventing his return to competition. However, a recent video she and her trainer shared online could be a sign of good things to come.
Shavkat Rakhmonov continues his recovery after inviting Islam Makhachov to a match
Rahmonov (19-0) worked on his clinch work in a video shared on Instagram. He seems to be in good spirits and especially not wearing a safety boot like he did in a recent interview.
Speaking to AFL Global in an interview posted on September 6, the Kazakh wore full protective boots. He is now out of the boot and looking to return to the Octagon as evidenced by his comments in an interview where he said he would be a good match for the current welterweight champion. Islam Makhachov.
Rahmonov expressed his disappointment after Makhachov did not mention him among the leading contenders at 170 pounds, prompting the latter to respond that he would consider the match once “The Nomad” has recovered and returned to the UFC.
“Well, Rahmonov recently gave an interview with a huge brace on his knee and he says he wants to fight,” Makhatchov said during the media frenzy. “Pick him and wait 1.5 years? Let him heal and become one candidate.”
😅🇰🇿 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
