He’s hitting pads and stuff

Sean Brady recently shared his thoughts on whether Shavkat Rakhmonov could step into the UFC octagon again.

Rakhmonov was widely considered one of the most exciting welterweights to watch after his high-profile unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 in December 2024. While ‘Nomad’ was scheduled for a title shot next, he was forced to withdraw due to a serious and recurring knee injury.

In January, he underwent surgery after re-injuring his knee, with a recovery timeline of about nine to ten months. With Rakhmonov now posting clips of his pad work online, many believe he’ll be back in action sooner rather than later. However, Brady doesn’t think so.

In an interview with Daniel Cormier, Brady cast doubt on Rakhmonov ever returning to fighting and said:

“[Carlos] Prates is going to fight Islam and then you have [Michael] Morales fight Shavkat, and the winner of that fights for the belt next… He’s hitting pads and stuff. He’s saying he’s coming back. I don’t think he’s ever going to fight again.”

He added:

“I think he’s done because every time he tries to come back, his knee just keeps going out. He’s not going to be able to make it through a camp. I’ve never had knee problems, but when you see guys with knee problems, it’s just over and over and over again, especially with him. The camp is the hardest part.” [H/t: MMA Junkie]

Watch the full video below:

Dillon Danis believes Shavkat Rakhmonov’s injury changed the UFC welterweight and lightweight landscape

Dillon Danis believes Shavkat Rakhmonov injuring himself and getting sidelined changed the landscape of the UFC’s lightweight and welterweight divisions.

Earlier this month, Danis pointed out how Rakhmonov getting injured allowed Islam Makhachev to move up to welterweight and ultimately let Justin Gaethje win the lightweight title. In an X post, he wrote:

“It’s crazy how one man’s injury changed the whole trajectory of the sport. If Shavkat Rakhmonov doesn’t blow his knee out, Islam doesn’t move up, Justin never becomes champion, Ilia might not have a second belt, JDM doesn’t get a championship, Ian Garry wouldn’t be fighting for a belt, and so much more. What a sport!”