Shavkat Rakhmonov Returns to Sparring After Knee Surgery

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by ТРЕНЕР ПО БОКСУ ? (@oraz_coach)

Undefeated UFC welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov has officially returned to the mats. A newly released video posted by his coach, @oraz_coach on Instagram, shows the 19-0 fighter engaging in full sparring sessions for the first time in months.

The footage captures Rakhmonov wearing big boxing gloves while moving smoothly, stuffing takedowns, and testing his surgically repaired knee. In a reassuring sign for fans concerned by his long layoff, the clip concludes with "Nomad" locking in and finishing a training partner with a guillotine choke submission.

Rakhmonov has been sidelined since his December 2024 victory over Ian Machado Garry. A severe training setback required him to undergo a second knee surgery in January, leading to his temporary removal from the official UFC rankings. While his primary treating physician, Mikhail Markuart, recently stated that medical clearances point toward a realistic competitive return in early 2027, this fresh training footage confirms his rehabilitation is hitting major milestones ahead of schedule.