Joaquin Buckley recently projected that Shavkat Rakhmonov may have already fought his final bout inside the UFC Octagon. Once regarded as a clear top contender for the UFC Welterweight Championship by the end of 2024, Rakhmonov’s trajectory shifted dramatically due to ongoing injuries that sidelined him throughout 2025 and beyond.
Injuries and Setbacks Halt Rakhmonov’s UFC Progress
Rakhmonov’s promising rise was interrupted as he suffered multiple injuries, requiring surgery and extending his absence from competition. These health challenges have kept him away from the cage longer than anticipated, preventing him from earning the title shot many expected. His unable to maintain fight activity led to his removal from the UFC welterweight rankings because of inactivity, raising concerns among MMA fans about his future in the sport.
Buckley’s Critical Remarks on Rakhmonov’s Relevance and Future
On the Overdogs Podcast, Buckley delivered a bleak forecast concerning Rakhmonov’s presence in the UFC. He suggested that the fighter’s continued inactivity and lack of engagement outside fighting could cause fans to lose interest rapidly. Buckley contrasted Rakhmonov with fighters like Colby, who maintain public attention by staying active in multiple areas, including social media and military service.
“I’m going to make this prediction right now: We never see Shavkat (in the UFC) again,”
Buckley stated.
“The thing about Shavkat, he ain’t no content creator. At least Colby is keeping his name out there. He’s keeping himself relevant. He’s in the RAF. You’ve got to do these things in order for people to recognize your name, but every time we hear about your name, it’s about something negative, which is the bad part.”
?Joaquin Buckley, UFC Fighter
“It’s going to be to the point where the fans lose interest. They’re going to forget about Shavkat – I promise you. They’re just going to forget about Shvakat, and guess what the next move is going to be for the UFC? They’re going to send his ass back to Kazakhstan.”
?Joaquin Buckley, UFC Fighter
Fan Concerns Over Lost Potential and MMA Legacy
Many MMA enthusiasts view Rakhmonov as one of the sport’s most significant “what if” figures, devastated by what might have been had injuries not derailed his rise. While some remain hopeful that he could recover and reclaim his path toward becoming a UFC champion, the uncertainty around his ability to return to previous levels leaves ongoing debate within the community. With his prolonged absence and continued setbacks, fans wonder if the talented “Nomad” will ever fulfill his early promise.
Implications and the Road Ahead for Rakhmonov
Buckley’s harsh prediction underscores the fragile nature of athletic careers, especially in MMA where injuries can abruptly change trajectories. Should Rakhmonov fail to return to competition soon, the UFC and its audience may indeed move on, focusing on other contenders and storylines. The potential end of Rakhmonov’s UFC chapter would mark the loss of a promising talent, while also serving as a cautionary tale about how health complications can shape the future of professional fighters.
