Rakhmonov Back To Wrestling After Long Injury Layoff

Shavkat Rakhmonov is back to wrestling after a nine-month injury layoff.

The undefeated welterweight posted footage to Instagram showing him doing light clinch work with his coach, per Sherdog. Rakhmonov has not competed since December 2024 after suffering multiple leg injuries, but the recent video shows him moving without the protective boot he wore in a recent interview.

Rakhmonov Eyes Return After Makhachev Comments

The 19-0 fighter appeared in a full protective boot during a Sept. 6 interview with AFL Global, where he called out Islam Makhachev and said he matches up well with the welterweight champion. Makhachev responded during a media scrum that he would consider the matchup once Rakhmonov has recovered and returned to action. "Well, Rakhmonov gave an interview recently with a huge brace on his knee and he says he wants to fight," Makhachev said, as reported by Sherdog. "Choose him and wait for 1.5 years? Let him recover and he will become one of the contenders."

Rakhmonov expressed frustration after Makhachev did not mention him among the leading 170-pound contenders. No timetable has been announced for the Kazakh's return to the Octagon.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Shavkat Rakhmonov is back to wrestling in encouraging UFC return sign