Islam Makhachev responds to comments from Shavkat Rakhmonov regarding title contenders

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev addressed recent remarks by Shavkat Rakhmonov concerning the division's title picture. In an interview with Match TV, Makhachev rejected the suggestion that he should have selected Rakhmonov as his next opponent. The champion pointed to the undefeated fighter's ongoing recovery from knee surgery, which has kept him out of competition since December 2024. Makhachev indicated he would not wait 18 months for Rakhmonov to recover before defending his title, noting he has already prioritized Carlos Prates and Michael Morales as the top contenders. Makhachev emphasized that he has no intention of refusing a future bout with the Kazakh fighter once he is healthy and has established his standing as a challenger. Makhachev holds a 29-1 record and most recently defended his title against Ian Garry in August.

• 8:52 AMSherdog — Islam Makhachev fires Back at Shavkat Rakhmonov over UFC title snub