UFC’s forgotten (and most deserving) No. 1 contender, Shavkat Rakhmonov, willing to fight ‘anyone’ for next Islam Makhachev title shot

It’s been nearly a year since No. 3-ranked Welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov last stepped inside the Octagon. His unanimous decision win over Ian Garry at UFC 310 kept his undefeated record intact, but the knee injury he suffered during the bout has kept him on the sidelines ever since — and his absence has been felt in a surging, chaotic, red-hot Welterweight division.

Many fans and analysts still view Rakhmonov as the rightful No. 1 contender. After all, he was originally scheduled to challenge then-champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 before Muhammad withdrew with a toe injury. Rakhmonov instead fought Garry, handed the Irish star his first professional loss, and walked away banged up.

With Rakhmonov inactive, the field has moved quickly. New champion Islam Makhachev sits atop the division, while contenders like former champ Kamaru Usman, the streaking Michael Morales, and the ever-ambitious Garry are all making noise. Garry, now ranked No. 2, insists he deserves the next title shot regardless of how his first meeting with Rakhmonov went.

Rakhmonov disagrees.

“No trash talk, just facts: Ian Garry lost to me while I was injured,” Rakhmonov wrote on Twitter. “He hasn’t finished anyone in his last six fights, and Prates nearly stopped him. Doesn’t sound like a #1 contender to me.”

The undefeated “Nomad” hopes to return in early 2026 and believes a title shot should be waiting for him. But if he has to fight again to secure it, he’s more than willing.

“Yes, I would prefer to fight for the title next, but I saw this timeline will not work for Islam in February or March, and he will look to fight in April or May,” Rakhmonov told Ariel Helwani. “If I can fight Islam next, I’m ready. But if I have to fight again before the title shot, I have no problem proving I’m the rightful No. 1 contender. Whoever is on my timeline and whoever will put me in the title spot again, I will fight.”

Rakhmonov didn’t name a preferred opponent — just “anyone.”

The 31-year-old remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the weight class, boasting seven UFC wins with six finishes. With his return looming, the Welterweight title picture could get even more interesting in 2026.