Overview
- Wednesday's Instagram video from DAR PRO TEAM shows the undefeated welterweight moving on his knee and doing light sparring with coaches, a visible rehabilitation milestone.
- Rakhmonov has been out since December 2024 after a knee injury suffered at UFC 310 and has undergone multiple surgeries, including a confirmed setback and another procedure in early 2026.
- Because of the prolonged absence he was removed from the UFC welterweight rankings earlier this year despite previously being a top contender.
- Fight calendars and medical clearance remain unresolved so most outlets estimate a competitive return no earlier than late 2026 or possibly 2027 and he will likely need at least one tune-up fight before title contention.
- His recovery shifts the welterweight landscape by leaving a crowded path to the belt and affects Rakhmonov personally by forcing him to rebuild timing, conditioning and medical trust before rejoining the division.