Shavkat Rakhmonov removed from UFC rankings

Kazakh mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov has been removed from the UFC welterweight rankings, according to the promotion’s official website.

Rakhmonov recently underwent surgery. According to renowned insider Ariel Helwani, the Kazakh fighter will be unable to return to the octagon for the next nine to ten months.

Rakhmonov last competed in December 2024 at UFC 310, where he faced Ireland’s Ian Garry and secured a unanimous decision victory. He has not fought since then. It is reported that due to serious injuries, Rakhmonov has been sidelined from training.

Prior to his removal, he held second place in the welterweight division and was considered the leading contender for the championship belt.

In the updated UFC welterweight rankings reflecting recent major changes, Shavkat Rakhmonov has been completely dropped from the top 15. The welterweight championship belt is currently held by Islam Makhachev.

For reference, in December 2025, Shavkat Rakhmonov had risen to the second-highest ranking in the UFC welterweight division.