Former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman recently addressed the ongoing challenges faced by Shavkat Rakhmonov, particularly concerning his injury struggles. Rakhmonov, once poised for a title shot in the 170-pound division, has encountered several setbacks that have slowed his career progress.
At the close of 2024, Rakhmonov was positioned to challenge Belal Muhammad, the reigning UFC welterweight champion. However, recurring injuries prevented him from competing for the title, forcing him out of all bouts for the entire 2025 calendar year. Early in 2026, Rakhmonov revealed he had to undergo another surgery, extending his time away from competition and leading to his removal from the official UFC welterweight rankings due to inactivity.
Usman’s Perspective on Rakhmonov’s Health and Career
On a recent episode of the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Kamaru Usman expressed sympathy for Rakhmonov’s difficult situation and offered candid advice aimed at preserving his future in the sport. Usman recognized the mental and physical toll that repeated injuries take on a fighter who wants to continue competing and providing for his family.
I feel bad for him because all you want to do is be healthy and you want to compete and you want to provide for your family, but unfortunately, that’s not the case,
Usman said.
He continues to sustain these injuries. So, one, I would say potentially, if this is really still what you want to do, let’s find a new camp, and let’s take care of our body until you’re done with the sport. Then, you could move on and lead your life the way that you want to lead your life.
Rakhmonov’s Determination and Future Prospects
Despite the setbacks, Shavkat Rakhmonov remains determined to recover fully and pursue the UFC Welterweight Championship once again. His fans and many experts believe he still possesses the talent and drive to reach the pinnacle of the division, though concerns persist about whether he can avoid further injuries that may derail his ambitions.
Rakhmonov’s ability to select the right training environment and prioritize his health will likely be critical factors in his potential return to championship contention. The next stages of his career will reveal if he can overcome these hurdles and fulfill the promise that made him the top contender.
