Overview
- Manager Danny Rubenstein confirmed to Ariel Helwani that Rakhmonov re-injured the same knee and underwent surgery, with recovery expected to take nine to ten months.
- Video from Jan. 31 showed the unbeaten contender on crutches with a knee brace at Naiza FC 80 in Kazakhstan.
- Rakhmonov’s removal reshuffled the division, with Ian Machado Garry rising to No. 2 and Michael “Venom” Page returning to the rankings at No. 15.
- Outlets report he is unlikely to fight before late 2026 or early 2027 as Islam Makhachev remains welterweight champion and considers options for his first defense.
- In a public statement, Rakhmonov reaffirmed his goal of bringing the UFC belt to Kazakhstan, while fan reactions questioned Colby Covington’s continued top-15 placement despite inactivity.