Rakhmonov returns to light sparring after reinjuring knee kept him out since UFC 310

Shavkat Rakhmonov has returned to the gym for light sparring, offering the first visible sign of progress in a recovery that has kept the undefeated UFC welterweight contender sidelined since his five-round decision over Ian Garry at UFC 310 in December 2024. Footage posted by DAR PRO TEAM on Instagram shows the 31-year-old moving and working through what appears to be low-intensity sparring.

The road back has been far from straightforward. A knee injury initially prevented Rakhmonov from challenging then-champion Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title in the first half of 2025, and he remained on the sidelines for the rest of that year. The situation worsened at the start of 2026 when it emerged he had reinjured the same knee, adding another nine to ten months to his projected absence. A firm return date has not been set, with late 2026 considered the earliest realistic window.

Despite the lengthy layoff, Rakhmonov’s standing in the welterweight division remains intact. His professional record sits at a perfect 19-0, with seven wins accumulated inside the UFC. Garry is the only opponent to have survived the full distance against him; every other victory has come by stoppage. His résumé includes notable finishes of Stephen Thompson, Geoff Neal, and Neil Magny, underlining why he is regarded as one of the most dangerous contenders in the 170-pound class.

The gym footage, however modest in scope, marks a meaningful milestone for a fighter whose extended absence has raised questions about when — and in what condition — he will return to competition. Whether the timeline holds and Rakhmonov can re-enter title contention before the year is out remains to be seen.