UFC veteran Kamaru Usman has expressed his concerns regarding Shavkat Rakhmonov’s recent removal from the UFC welterweight rankings after being sidelined due to injury for more than a year. Rakhmonov’s ongoing struggles with recovery have sparked uncertainty about when—or if—he will return to his former competitive form.
The Impact of Injuries on Rakhmonov’s Career Trajectory
Since entering the UFC, Shavkat Rakhmonov has been regarded as a promising talent with several notable victories. However, the details of his injury setbacks remain unclear, and with the welterweight division stacked with contenders, missing extended time poses a serious risk to his career momentum. The timing of his absence has led to questions about how the UFC handles rankings for fighters who remain inactive due to health issues.
Usman’s Perspective on the Ranking Decisions
On his Pound 4 Pound podcast featuring Henry Cejudo, Kamaru Usman addressed the UFC’s decision to remove Rakhmonov from the top 15. He remarked,
“Shavkat Rakhmonov is potentially out for the year,”
acknowledging the seriousness of the injury concerns.
Usman also compared this situation to Jon Jones’s extended inactivity, stating,
“I understand (that he hasn’t fought), but they left Jon in the rankings for almost three years.
I didn’t dispute it when he was kept in the rankings…rightfully so,
he explained.
But basically we’re just picking and choosing when we leave someone in the rankings and when we don’t leave someone in the rankings now?”
Henry Cejudo pointed out that Jones is widely considered one of the greatest fighters in the sport’s history, but Usman’s remarks highlight inconsistency in how the UFC manages its rankings for inactive athletes.
Future Outlook for Rakhmonov’s UFC Career
With questions surrounding Rakhmonov’s injury recovery and his exclusion from the rankings, the path forward remains uncertain. Fans and analysts alike wonder whether he will be able to return at his peak and fulfill the potential he showed early in his UFC tenure. The UFC welterweight division continues to evolve rapidly, making timing critical for any fighter aiming to climb the ranks.
The debate over ranking policies also raises a larger issue about fairness and consistency in the sport’s management. As the community awaits Rakhmonov’s return, will the UFC adjust its approach to inactive fighters to avoid similar confusion in the future?
