Makhachev Fires Back At Rakhmonov Over Title Claims

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has responded to Shavkat Rakhmonov after the undefeated Kazakh complained about being passed over for a title shot.

Makhachev repeatedly named Carlos Prates and Michael Morales as the top contenders for the next welterweight title fight. Rakhmonov took issue with the omission in a recent ALF Global interview, prompting the champion to fire back. "He says I should have chosen him. Choose him and wait for 1.5 years?" Makhachev told Match TV, per Sherdog. "Let him recover and he will become one of the contenders. I never said that I will not fight him."

Makhachev Questions Rakhmonov's Recovery Timeline

The champion pointed to Rakhmonov's ongoing knee issues as the reason for looking elsewhere. Rakhmonov has not fought since stopping Ian Garry in December 2024. He underwent knee surgery after that win and injured the joint again during rehab, requiring a second operation. Makhachev noted that Rakhmonov gave the interview while wearing a large knee brace.

Makhachev won the welterweight strap against Jack Della Maddalena last year and defended it in August against Garry, whose lone career loss came to Rakhmonov. The champion made clear he would not turn down a fight with Rakhmonov once the 19-0 contender recovers and re-establishes himself in the division.

Makhachev holds a 29-1 record. No date has been announced for his next title defense.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Islam Makhachev fires Back at Shavkat Rakhmonov over UFC title snub