Shavkat Rakhmonov has returned to contact training, a major step towards his comeback to the UFC.
## What happened to Shavkat Rakhmonov?
The Kazakh welterweight contender suffered a knee injury in December 2024, which required several surgeries.
He was spotted on crutches at a UFC event in February, causing concern among fans.
## Why the long layoff for Shavkat Rakhmonov?
Rakhmonov's injury woes have kept him out of action for 2 years, leading to his removal from the 170lbs rankings.
The undefeated 31-year-old was once the number one contender, but his injury has stalled his career.
He took Ian Machado Garry's undefeated record in his last fight, a huge win in the division.
## What comes next for Shavkat Rakhmonov?
Rakhmonov's return to contact training is a positive sign, but it's unclear when he'll be able to return to the cage.
He may need to fight at least once before getting a title shot, with the likes of Machado Garry, Carlos Prates, and Michael Morales all in contention.
Fans are eager to see Rakhmonov back in action, with one commenting "I do hope he makes a return, dude was a killer before the injury".
The welterweight division is currently one of the strongest in the UFC, making Rakhmonov's potential return all the more exciting.
Rakhmonov was seen hitting pads with one of his coaches, moving slowly on his knee, in a video posted on Instagram by darteam.Kazakhstan.
His return to training is a huge step forward, but fans remain cautious, with some commenting on the potential risks of his comeback.
The 31-year-old's future in the UFC is uncertain, but his dedication to recovery is clear.
As he works towards his return, fans will be watching closely, hoping to see the undefeated contender back in the cage soon.
Rakhmonov's story is one of perseverance, and his potential return to the UFC is a testament to his hard work and determination.
But for now, the focus is on his recovery, and the hope that he'll be back to his best soon.
And with the welterweight division stacked with talent, Rakhmonov's return would be a welcome addition.
So the wait continues, but fans are hopeful that Shavkat Rakhmonov will be back in the UFC cage before long.