Shavkat Rakhmonov on fighting Ian Machado Garry injured: ‘Khabib or Islam Makhachev, they definitely would’ve refused’

Shavkat Rakhmonov hasn’t competed since defeating Ian Machado Garry, essentially on one leg, after dealing with knee injuries for nearly two years.

Rakhmonov was slated to fight then-champ Belal Muhammad at UFC 310 in December 2024, but Muhammd withdrew due to injury. Rakhmonov, despite having a miniscus and ACL injury, remained on the card and faced Machado Garry in a No. 1 contender fight, winning a competitive decision.

In a rare interview, Rakhmonov discusses his injuries, and decision making, while also taking a shot at Khabib Nurmagomedov and current welterweight champ Islam Makhachev.

“Well that’s my problem, I couldn’t fight,” Rakhmonov