Shavkat Rakhmonov Aims for a Comeback as Another KO Artist Fires Back
Shavkat Rakhmonov, a top-tier welterweight in the UFC, appears to be on the brink of returning to competition after a lengthy break dating back to UFC 310. It’s been more than a year since the undefeated contender last stepped into the Octagon, yet he continues to be a focal point in one of the promotion’s most competitive divisions.
Rakhmonov hasn’t competed since earning a unanimous decision over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310. He was originally set to headline UFC 310 against then-champion Belal Muhammad, but Muhammad withdrew due to a health issue. A rebooking against Muhammad was anticipated immediately after UFC 310, but a serious leg injury sustained in training altered those plans. Despite commitments to stay active in 2025, Rakhmonov will finish the year without fighting.
As Rakhmonov gears up for a return—likely early in 2026—another dangerous striker has stepped forward with a provocative challenge.
Joaquin Buckley Fires Back with Vicious Callout
In a heated Instagram post, Joaquin Buckley addressed Rakhmonov with a bold and aggressive message as both fighters prepare for potential 2026 come-backs. Buckley, who hasn’t fought since losing to former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta last year, made it clear he intends to clash with Rakhmonov once again and turn up the intensity.
Buckley’s message contained a charged line about a recent remark he attributed to Rakhmonov, and he asserted that he’s ready to prove the source of their feud. The caller stated, in no uncertain terms, that he plans to rise to the occasion and make a statement in the cage—warning that if Rakhmonov doesn’t sign the fight, someone else might (a dig at the broader competition within the division).
With Usman perceived as the likely next challenger for UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev in 2026, Rakhmonov and Buckley occupy a space where a high-stakes matchup could help determine the next wave of contenders. A bout between Rakhmonov and Buckley would align well with both fighters’ timelines for a return and could generate significant interest heading into the new year.
Discussion prompts:
- Do you think Rakhmonov’s style and momentum will translate into immediate success upon his return, or will ring rust be a factor early on?
- How should the UFC handle verbal feuds that escalate to threats of violence, in terms of media portrayal and fighter safety?
- Who should be favored to win a hypothetical Rakhmonov vs. Buckley clash, given their recent activity and fighting styles, and what adjustments would each fighter need to make for a successful performance?
