The UFC welterweight division is bracing for a seismic shift as the once-untouchable star of the octagon, Shavkat Rakhmonov, has officially asked for a return to the spotlight in early 2026. This isn’t just a rumor—it’s a calculated move that could reshape the power dynamics of the division. But here’s where it gets controversial: Rakhmonov’s path to redemption has been anything but straightforward.
Rakhmonov’s meteoric rise to the top of the welterweight ranks was nothing short of dazzling. He dominated his early fights, carving out a reputation as a relentless force before facing his first real test when Belal Muhammad was sidelined. In a last-minute title opportunity, Rakhmonov faced an undefeated rival, a decision that tested his resolve. Though he emerged victorious against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310, the win was far from easy—a moment that briefly threatened to dethrone him from his position as the division’s number one contender.
Injuries have since become the biggest obstacle in his journey. Rakhmonov is now waiting for his next win before he can truly claim the title, with the next major showdown set for November when Islam Makhachev challenges Jack Della Maddalena. This fight could be the turning point for Rakhmonov, but he’s not alone in the race for the belt. His teammate, Fanil Rafikov, recently revealed that the Kazakh star has requested a matchup for early 2026 and has even named four potential opponents: Leon Edwards, Carlos Prates, Sean Brady, and Belal Muhammad—names that carry immense weight in the welterweight world.
But this isn’t just about Rakhmonov. Ian Machado Garry, the man who defeated him, is now eyeing a similar path. After recovering from his loss, Garry has made a bold statement: he wants to fight either Sean Brady or Belal Muhammad to cement himself as the next champion. As he told MMA Knockout on Sports Illustrated, 'A win over either of those guys would put me in line for the title.'
What does this mean for the future of the welterweight division? Will Rakhmonov’s return spark a new era of dominance, or will Garry’s relentless pursuit of the title prove to be the true game-changer? One thing is clear: the stakes are higher than ever, and the outcome could redefine the landscape of the sport. What do you think? Will Rakhmonov’s return shake up the division, or will Garry’s path be the one that ultimately secures the belt?
