Sean Brady: Shavkat Rakhmonov May Never Fight Again

Sean Brady does not believe Shavkat Rakhmonov will ever step back into the Octagon. The No. 5-ranked UFC welterweight told Daniel Cormier that the recurring knee trouble that has kept Rakhmonov sidelined since late 2024 has him convinced "The Nomad" is finished as an active fighter.

"Shavkat is hitting pads and stuff and they're saying he's coming back but I don't think he's ever gonna fight again," Brady said. "I think he's done. Because he keeps, every time he tries to come back his knee just keeps going out. He's just not gonna be able to make it through camp. Guys with knee problems have the problems over and over again."

What Happened to Shavkat Rakhmonov's Knee?

Rakhmonov, still undefeated at 19-0, has not fought since a unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 in December 2024. That win served as a welterweight title eliminator, with Rakhmonov lined up next to face Belal Muhammad, who held the UFC welterweight title at the time the fight was being planned. Rakhmonov underwent surgery to repair the knee injury and then re-injured it during his recovery, which has kept the anticipated title shot from ever materializing.

Recent sparring footage had fueled optimism among fans that a comeback was close, but Brady's comments suggest the setbacks have been more serious than the gym clips let on. Working through pads and light drills is a different test than surviving a full training camp, and Brady's skepticism centers on whether Rakhmonov's knee can hold up under that kind of load.

What This Means for the Welterweight Title Picture

Brady has his own motivations here. He's currently ranked No. 5 at 170 pounds and openly framed Rakhmonov's absence as one fewer contender standing between him and a title shot. Rakhmonov was widely regarded as one of the most dangerous matchups in the division before the injury, a wrestler-striker with finishing ability against anyone on the roster. If he truly cannot return, it reshuffles the contender logjam behind the current title picture and opens the door for fighters like Brady to push their own case for a shot.

Betting Angle

For bettors, this is a name to watch on any UFC futures or welterweight title-odds market. Books that still carry Rakhmonov as a live option for a 2026 return should be treated with caution until there's real camp footage or an official fight announcement, not just pad work. Until Rakhmonov is booked and clears a full camp, sharp bettors are likely to fade any long-shot futures tied to him and instead track how the division's other ranked contenders, Brady included, position themselves for a path to gold.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Sean Brady think Shavkat Rakhmonov won't fight again?

Sean Brady says Shavkat Rakhmonov's knee has kept giving out every time he tries to return, and Brady doesn't believe Rakhmonov can survive a full training camp.

When did Shavkat Rakhmonov last fight?

Shavkat Rakhmonov last fought in December 2024, beating Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision at UFC 310 in a welterweight title eliminator.

Who was Shavkat Rakhmonov supposed to fight next?

Rakhmonov was lined up to face Belal Muhammad, who held the UFC welterweight title at the time the fight was being planned, before knee surgery and a re-injury during recovery sidelined him.