{"id":449548,"date":"2026-02-02T17:56:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-02T17:56:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/449548\/"},"modified":"2026-02-02T17:56:08","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T17:56:08","slug":"shavkat-statement-on-second-knee-surgery-delaying-ufc-return-until-2027","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/449548\/","title":{"rendered":"Shavkat statement on second knee surgery delaying UFC return until 2027"},"content":{"rendered":"

The undefeated UFC welterweight contender, currently ranked No. 2 at 170 pounds<\/a>, was expected to make his Octagon return in early 2026<\/a>. Instead, \u201cNomad\u201d will spend the rest of the year rehabbing his knee following a second knee injury and subsequent surgery.<\/p>\n

\u201cA fighter\u2019s path has never been easy,\u201d Rakhmonov posted to social media<\/a>. \u201cLife doesn\u2019t give us challenges we can\u2019t overcome. Every dream comes at a price and sometimes that price is your health. Today, I have to be honest. Due to ongoing injuries, I\u2019ve had another surgery and will need time to fully recover. As a result, my return to the Octagon will be postponed.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not easy to accept but I truly believe every setback is part of a bigger plan,\u201d Rakhmonov continued. \u201cI will come back stronger, smarter and hungrier than ever. My goal is still alive. The UFC belt still has to come to Kazakhstan. Thank you to everyone who stands by me no matter what. This is not the end of the journey. It\u2019s an important chapter of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Expect that decision to come within the next few weeks, if not sooner.<\/p>\n