Brady Says Rakhmonov Done With UFC Despite Sparring Footage

Sean Brady believes Shavkat Rakhmonov is finished as a fighter, despite recent sparring footage suggesting the undefeated welterweight is back in training.

Rakhmonov has not competed since suffering a major knee injury in late 2024. The 31-year-old underwent surgery to repair the damage but reinjured himself during recovery, according to MMA Mania.

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Brady On Rakhmonov's Recurring Knee Problems

The No. 5-ranked welterweight said he doubts Rakhmonov will make it through a full camp. "Shavkat is hitting pads and stuff and they're saying he's coming back but I don't think he's ever gonna fight again," Brady told Daniel Cormier. "I think he's done. Because he keeps … every time he tries to come back his knee just keeps going out. He's just not gonna be able to make it through camp. Guys with knee problems have the problems over and over again."

Brady skipped UFC 330 in Philadelphia to lock in a main event against Gabriel Bonfim on Nov. 7 in Las Vegas. Both fighters sit next to each other in the division rankings, making their five-round bout a possible title eliminator.

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Brady last fought in May, outworking Joaquin Buckley at UFC 328. Rakhmonov holds a 19-0 record but has been sidelined for nearly two years.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Despite new sparring footage, Shavkat might be ‘done’ with UFC — ‘I don’t think he’s ever gonna fight again’