Dec 16, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Shavkat Rakhmonov (red gloves) reacts after defeating Stephen Thompson (blue gloves) during UFC 296 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

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Shavkat Rakhmonov Next Fight – ‘Nomad’s’ Manager Provides Details Of His UFC Return

Long layoffs can absolutely kill a fighter’s momentum in the UFC. Fans forget about a fighter when they are not actively competing. Rankings shift as other contenders rack up wins and move ahead. Title shots slip away while you’re sitting on the sidelines. Shavkat Rakhmonov knows this reality all too well right now.

The undefeated Kazakhstani welterweight hasn’t fought in almost a year. His last appearance came against Ian Machado Garry, where he delivered a decisive victory. That win positioned him right at the doorstep of a title shot. But the extended inactivity has pushed that golden opportunity further away. The division kept moving forward without him. Fans have been wondering when ‘Nomad’ would finally make his return. And now, there is some news of his comeback.

Shavkat Rakhmonov Targets Early 2026 Return

Rakhmonov’s manager recently provided an encouraging update about his fighter’s status in an interview with Ushatayka. The undefeated contender has returned to full training and is building back his fighting shape.

“He is already back to full training. Most likely he’ll be in fighting shape by late January or early February.”

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That timeline puts Rakhmonov on track for a first-quarter 2026 return. The manager explained that Rakhmonov is currently training twice daily with serious intensity. His goal is competing early next year and reminding everyone why he’s dangerous.

The training regimen appears to be going well based on social media posts. Rakhmonov has been sharing cold training videos that showcase his intense preparation methods. The Kazakhstani fighter seems to draw strength from harsh conditions and brutal workouts. His undefeated 19-0 record speaks to his dedication and skill level. All but one of those victories came by finish: 16 submissions, 2 knockouts and 1 decision. That finishing rate makes him one of the scariest fighters in the welterweight division.

Realistic Expectations From Rakhmonov’s Camp

Rakhmonov’s manager was realistic about the title shot situation. The long layoff has complicated matters significantly. Since he last fought, Belal Muhamad lost his belt to Jack Della Maddalena, who is set to fight Islam Makhachev next month. Many more contenders have emerged as well. A direct title shot remains out of the question.

“Right now, waiting for a title shot isn’t realistic. He’ll need to come back, remind everyone who he is, make a statement again, and re-earn his shot at the belt.”

The manager acknowledged they will need to assess the division after November’s fights (UFC 322 and others) conclude. Several significant welterweight matchups could reshape the rankings before year’s end.

The good news is Rakhmonov should face a top-five opponent upon his return. His previous performance against Garry proved he belongs at that elite level. Realistically, he could fight anyone from the competitive upper tier of the division. Kamaru Usman might return against him, or even Sean Brady. Any of these matchups would give Rakhmonov the statement victory he needs. One dominant performance against an elite opponent would immediately thrust him back into title contention.

(Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie – Imagn Images)

Shavkat Rakhmonov

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!