Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Shavkat Rakhmonov Eyes Title Shot Upon Return, Targets Welterweight Crown

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Shavkat Rakhmonov, the undefeated welterweight phenom, was set to headline UFC 310 against champion Belal Muhammad in December 2024, but a bone infection forced Muhammad to withdrawn. Rakhmonov stayed on the card, defeating Ian Machado Garry via unanimous decision despite a torn MCL, cementing his status as the No.1 contender in the division. When a knee injury sidelined him for UFC 315, Jack Della Maddalena stepped in, and pulled of a huge upset dethroning Muhammad in a thrilling unanimous decision victory. Now, with the welterweight division in chaos, Rakhmonov is vocal about claiming the title shot he believes he’s earned.

Rakhmonov’s 19-0 record, including a 100% finish rate before getting a unanimous decision win over Garry, makes him a daunting challenge. His six UFC stoppages, including submission of Stephen Thompson and Neil Magny, showcased his grappling prowess and knockout power, qualities that makes him a prime target for any champion looking to end his perfect streak. The welterweight division’s chaos, which was marked by Islam Makhachev’s move to the welterweight division after Muhammad’s loss at UFC 315, and other contenders like Sean Brady and Kamaru Usman as eyeing for glory, sets the confusing stage for Rakhmonov’s return.

Shavkat Rakhmonov has fought ONCE since his win over Stephen Thompson 549 days ago. 👀

Is he still the true No. 1 contender when he returns, or has the division passed him by? pic.twitter.com/TfL09Jmox5
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) June 17, 2025

Rakhmonov’s Return Timeline and Championship Fight Aspirations

Rakhmonov recently spoke to a reporter about his return timeline and how he wants to fight for the championship belt right away, saying, “Just have to heal the injury and that’s it… I want to fight immediately for the championship belt. Well let’s see time will tell. I need to be prepared, whoever is there.”

When the reporter questioned Rakhmonov about his potential return in December and how true is this return timeline, Rakhmonov claimed, “Well, I think true. Well the most important thing is that injury doesn’t bother. And so I want to fight this year.” With Jack Della Maddalena sitting on top of the welterweight throne, Rakhmonov was asked about JDM and his thoughts on if he deserved the title, “Well of course, he is a champion at the moment. Defeated Belal. For now he’s probably better. We’ll see. Time will tell everything.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by MMA Pros Pick (@mma.pros.pick)

The welterweight division is currently is chaos with multiple contenders emerging as Rakhmonov aims for his return. Champion Jack Della Maddalena is set to take on Islam Makhachev first, and the winner of that superfight could potentially face Rakhmonov for title next. However, contenders like Sean Brady and Kamaru Usman are also some of the top contenders in the division, and it will be interesting to see just who gets the shot at the title. After the Makhachev vs. Della Maddalena fight, UFC President Dana White will have a lot of decisions to make for the 170-pound division.

Shavkat Rakhmonov

UFC

Eric Divakaran

nba

nfl

mma

I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.