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Islam Makhachev fires Back at Shavkat Rakhmonov over UFC title snub Islam Makhachev has fired back at Shavkat Rakhmonov. Makhachev has repeatedly acknowledged Carlos Prates and Michael Morales as the top two contenders for the next welterweight title shot in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Rakhmonov, in a recent interview with ALF Global, expressed disappointment about not being mentioned by Makhachev, who has now issued a response. Makhachev took a dig at the undefeated Kazakh’s lingering health issues. The UFC welterweight champ questions whether he should wait a year and a half to fight Rakhmonov. However, Makhachev clarifies that he won’t turn down a fight against Rakhmonov once “Nomad” recovers and cements his status as a contender. “Well, Rakhmonov gave an interview recently with a huge brace on his knee and he says he wants to fight; I want to respond to his interview,” Makhachev told Match TV. “He says I should have chosen him. Choose him and wait for 1.5 years? Let him recover and he will become one of the contenders. I never said that I will not fight him.” Makhachev (29-1) won the welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena last year and defended it in August against Ian Garry, whose only career loss before facing Makhachev was to Rakhmonov. However, Rakhmonov (19-0) hasn’t fought since defeating Garry in December 2024. He underwent knee surgery after the fight and injured it again during recovery, leading to another surgery. Makhachev has repeatedly acknowledged Carlos Prates and Michael Morales as the top two contenders for the next welterweight title shot in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Rakhmonov, in a recent interview with ALF Global, expressed disappointment about not being mentioned by Makhachev, who has now issued a response. Advertisement Islam Makhachev questions Shavkat Rakhmonov’s timetable for a UFC title fight Makhachev took a dig at the undefeated Kazakh’s lingering health issues. The UFC welterweight champ questions whether he should wait a year and a half to fight Rakhmonov. However, Makhachev clarifies that he won’t turn down a fight against Rakhmonov once “Nomad” recovers and cements his status as a contender. “Well, Rakhmonov gave an interview recently with a huge brace on his knee and he says he wants to fight; I want to respond to his interview,” Makhachev told Match TV. “He says I should have chosen him. Choose him and wait for 1.5 years? Let him recover and he will become one of the contenders. I never said that I will not fight him.” Makhachev (29-1) won the welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena last year and defended it in August against Ian Garry, whose only career loss before facing Makhachev was to Rakhmonov. However, Rakhmonov (19-0) hasn’t fought since defeating Garry in December 2024. He underwent knee surgery after the fight and injured it again during recovery, leading to another surgery. 😅🇰🇿 Islam Makhachev responds to Shavkat Rakhmonov who wasn't happy with him not being mentioned as the next contender: — Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 9, 2026 "He gave an interview with a huge brace on his knee. He wants me to choose him and then wait for 1.5 years for him to recover?" 🎥 MATCH TV pic.twitter.com/u5ayP5D7zz More