Shavkat Rakhmonov Resumes Wrestling Training in Recovery Push

The undefeated welterweight shared video of light wrestling work, a step forward after multiple leg injuries kept him out since December 2024.

Shavkat Rakhmonov appears to be making progress in his recovery from multiple leg injuries. The undefeated UFC welterweight recently posted footage on his Instagram stories showing him doing light wrestling work, including clinch drills.

Rakhmonov, 19-0, has not fought since December 2024 because of repeated injury setbacks. In a Sept. 6 interview with AFL Global, he was still wearing a protective boot, but he was without it in the recent training video shared with his coach.

The Kazakh fighter has publicly called for a bout with reigning welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, saying he matches up well with him. Rakhmonov had expressed frustration that Makhachev did not name him among the top 170-pound contenders.

Makhachev addressed the situation at a media scrum, saying Rakhmonov should recover and return to action before being considered. He added that Rakhmonov would become one of the contenders once he is back fighting in the UFC.