UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has responded to criticism from undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov regarding his exclusion from title shot consideration. Makhachev recently identified Carlos Prates and Michael Morales as the leading candidates for the next welterweight title opportunity, prompting Rakhmonov to express frustration in a recent media appearance.
During an interview with Match TV, Makhachev addressed Rakhmonov’s complaints while also raising practical concerns about the Kazakh fighter’s current situation. The champion questioned the feasibility of waiting an extended period for Rakhmonov to recover from injury, noting that the contender appeared in a recent interview wearing a substantial knee brace. Makhachev emphasized his willingness to face Rakhmonov once the fighter returns to full health and reestablishes himself as a legitimate title challenger.
Rakhmonov has remained sidelined since December 2024 following his victory over Ian Garry. The fighter required surgery for a knee injury sustained during that bout and subsequently suffered a setback during his rehabilitation process, necessitating additional surgical intervention. With an estimated recovery timeline of approximately eighteen months, Makhachev’s decision to pursue other contenders appears motivated by the extended delay such a matchup would entail.
Makhachev, who claimed the welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena and successfully defended it against Ian Garry in August, maintains that he remains open to eventually fighting Rakhmonov once the undefeated fighter completes his recovery and demonstrates readiness for title contention.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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