Rakhmonov: I'd Give Makhachev Trouble Once Healthy

Shavkat Rakhmonov says he believes a welterweight title fight with Islam Makhachev would be a genuinely close, competitive matchup once he's cleared to return from injury.

Rakhmonov, still unbeaten as a pro, was lined up for a run at the 170-pound title before having to undergo surgery, a setback that put his career on hold while the division kept moving. The UFC had planned to eventually put him in against Belal Muhammad for the belt. Muhammad lost the title to Jack Della Maddalena, who then dropped it to Makhachev at UFC 322 in November 2025. Ian Machado Garry, a fighter Rakhmonov beat in 2024, got the next crack at Makhachev and came up short by unanimous decision at UFC 330 in Philadelphia.

Rakhmonov has had to watch that entire title chase unfold from the sidelines. Speaking with Alfredo Auditore of ALF Global, he made his case for why he still matches up well with the champion.

What Did Rakhmonov Say About Fighting Makhachev?

Rakhmonov made clear he sees himself as the champion's toughest available test. "I should be able to defend myself quite effectively," Rakhmonov said. "You, on the other hand, however, wrestle well, Islam. I'll do pretty well. I think my standup is better than Islam's. The fight will show. That's my opinion. Of course, I don't want to speak too loudly. If we fight, then we fight. I truly believe that I am the toughest opponent for Islam right now, and he's also the toughest opponent for me, personally."

That is a notable claim given Makhachev has run through the welterweight division since moving up, but Rakhmonov's read is rooted in the same striking-versus-wrestling dynamic that nearly gave Garry trouble at UFC 330 before the champion pulled away on the cards.

When Will Rakhmonov Return?

Rakhmonov's team is pushing for a return to action in early 2027. Once he's ready to go, the assumption is that he will face a top contender with possible title implications. No opponent or date has been set, and how sharp he looks in his first fight back will shape whether a Makhachev fight ever becomes a real conversation rather than a talking point.

Betting Angle

There's no line to price on a fight that isn't booked, and Rakhmonov himself is still working back from surgery with no return date locked in. The betting relevance here is longer-term: sportsbooks and matchmakers alike will be watching his comeback fight closely, since a layoff of this length against an unknown level of rust is exactly the kind of scenario where a heavy favorite on paper can come in short of expectations. Until Rakhmonov actually steps back in the cage, any talk of him as a live underdog or favorite against Makhachev is speculation, not a market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Shavkat Rakhmonov fighting Islam Makhachev next?

No fight has been booked. Shavkat Rakhmonov is recovering from surgery and his team is targeting a return in early 2027, with Islam Makhachev only discussed as a potential future opponent.

What did Shavkat Rakhmonov say about a fight with Islam Makhachev?

Rakhmonov said he believes his striking is better than Makhachev's and called himself the toughest available opponent for the welterweight champion, while acknowledging Makhachev's strong wrestling.

Why has Shavkat Rakhmonov been out of action?

Rakhmonov has been sidelined after having to undergo surgery, which derailed a planned title shot and left him watching the welterweight division move on without him.