Shavkat Bakhtibaevich Rakhmonov Bio
Shavkat Bakhtibaevich Rakhmonov is a Kazakh professional mixed martial artist competing in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born on October 23, 1994, he has maintained an undefeated professional record of 19 wins, including 8 knockouts and 10 submissions, showcasing his versatile fighting skills.
Early Life and Background
Rakhmonov was born in Shoʻrchi, Surxondaryo Region, Uzbekistan, into a Kazakh family. His father belongs to the Altynbay clan and his mother to the Konyrat tribe, both part of the Junior Zhuz. He grew up in a culturally rich environment that influenced his identity and discipline.
He currently resides in Kokshetau, Kazakhstan. From a young age, Rakhmonov developed an interest in combat sports, which laid the foundation for his future career in mixed martial arts.
Path to MMA
Rakhmonov began his amateur MMA career with notable success, winning the WMMAA World and Asian Championships. He turned professional in 2014, debuting with a first-round submission victory. Early in his career, he fought primarily under the M-1 Global promotion and the Kazakhstan Mixed Martial Arts Federation, where he earned his first professional title.
His early achievements included winning the KZMMAF welterweight belt and defending it successfully. He also became the M-1 Global Welterweight Champion, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in MMA before transitioning to the UFC.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Career
Early Career (2014–2018)
Rakhmonov’s professional career began in October 2014 with a submission win at M-1 Challenge 52. Over the next several years, he compiled an undefeated record, fighting mainly in M-1 Global and Kazakhstan’s MMA circuits. He captured the KZMMAF welterweight title by third-round TKO and defended it successfully.
In 2018, he defended his belt at Battle of Nomads 11 and earned the M-1 Global Welterweight Championship with a second-round TKO. He defended the M-1 title with a first-round stoppage, demonstrating his finishing ability and dominance in the division.
M-1 Global Breakthrough (2018–2019)
During this period, Rakhmonov earned the nickname “Nomad” and became a two-division champion in M-1 Global. His performances included multiple finishes by knockout and submission, highlighting his well-rounded skill set. These accomplishments positioned him as a top prospect for the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2019–Present)
Rakhmonov became the first Kazakh fighter to sign with the UFC. After overcoming initial scheduling challenges due to injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic, he made his UFC debut with a first-round submission victory. He continued to impress with wins over notable opponents, earning multiple Performance of the Night bonuses.
He has maintained an undefeated UFC record, including victories by submission and knockout. His notable wins include a submission over Neil Magny and a Fight of the Night performance against Geoff Neal. In 2023, he defeated Stephen Thompson by submission, marking the first time Thompson was finished by submission in his career.
Driving Style and Strengths
Rakhmonov is known for his aggressive and versatile fighting style, combining striking power with elite grappling skills. His ability to finish fights both standing and on the ground makes him a formidable opponent in the welterweight division. His reach and height advantage complement his technical proficiency.
Notable Events and Milestones
Rakhmonov holds a perfect professional record of 19 wins with no losses. He is a former M-1 Global Welterweight Champion and has earned multiple UFC performance bonuses. His submission victory over Stephen Thompson is a career highlight, and he continues to be ranked among the top contenders in the UFC welterweight division.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Career Wins
Throughout his career, Shavkat Rakhmonov has amassed 19 professional wins without a loss. His victories include 8 knockouts, 10 submissions, and 1 decision, reflecting his finishing ability and dominance across different fight scenarios.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
In the UFC, Rakhmonov has secured multiple impressive finishes, including guillotine choke submissions and knockout victories. His first UFC win came via first-round submission, and he has since earned Performance of the Night awards for his finishes. His fight against Geoff Neal earned Fight of the Night honors, showcasing his exciting fighting style.
Other Wins & Performances
Before joining the UFC, Rakhmonov was a dominant force in M-1 Global and Kazakhstan’s MMA circuits, capturing welterweight titles and defending them successfully. His early career was marked by a series of finishes that established him as a top prospect in the sport.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Rakhmonov comes from a Kazakh family with roots in the Altynbay clan of the Alimuly tribe. His cultural heritage is an important aspect of his identity and has influenced his discipline and approach to martial arts.
Personal Life
His younger sister, Sora Rakhmonova, is also a mixed martial artist. Rakhmonov is a practicing Muslim. In 2025, his wife and son were involved in a serious car accident, resulting in the tragic death of two women. Both his wife and son were hospitalized and later released.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Rakhmonov remained an active and highly ranked competitor in the UFC welterweight division. He was scheduled to compete for the UFC Welterweight Championship but faced changes due to opponent injuries. Instead, he fought Ian Machado Garry in a title eliminator, winning by unanimous decision, marking his first professional decision victory.
Rakhmonov’s performance in 2025 solidified his position as a top contender for the championship. His technical skills, combined with experience and resilience, make him a significant threat in upcoming title opportunities. His team, DAR Pro Team Kill Cliff FC, continues to support his development and strategic growth in the sport.