Boot-free Rakhmonov returns to wrestling as Makhachev title shot edges closer

Shavkat Rakhmonov has shed his protective boot and returned to wrestling drills, offering the clearest sign yet that the undefeated welterweight is edging toward an Octagon comeback after multiple leg injuries sidelined him since December 2024.

The Kazakh fighter, who holds a perfect 19-0 record, shared footage on his Instagram stories showing him working on clinch and light wrestling with his coach. The absence of the protective boot is a notable step forward — as recently as September 6, Rakhmonov was seen wearing a full leg brace during an interview with AFL Global.

The visual progress matters beyond the physical. Rakhmonov has been vocal about his desire to fight UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, a matchup he has argued he is well-suited for. His frustration grew after Makhachev omitted him from a list of leading 170-pound contenders, prompting the champion to address the situation directly.

“Well, Rakhmonov gave an interview recently with a huge brace on his knee and he says he wants to fight,” Makhachev said during a media scrum. “Choose him and wait for 1.5 years? Let him recover and he will become one of the contenders.”

Makhachev’s comments were pointed but not dismissive — he acknowledged Rakhmonov’s contender status while making clear that a title shot depends on the 19-0 fighter actually returning to competition. The champion’s timeline estimate of 1.5 years may now look pessimistic given the footage circulating online.

Rakhmonov’s path back to the Octagon still depends on how his leg responds to increased training load, and no return date has been confirmed. But the combination of boot-free movement, visible wrestling activity, and a clear target in Makhachev gives the comeback genuine momentum heading into the final months of 2026.