Shavkat Rakhmonov Faces Fiery Pushback Ahead of Highly Anticipated UFC Return
Shavkat Rakhmonov, a rising welterweight star in the UFC, appears poised to step back into the Octagon after a lengthy layoff that stretches back to UFC 310. It’s been more than a year since the undefeated challenger last fought, yet he remains a hot topic in one of the promotion’s deepest divisions.
Rakhmonov’s last appearance resulted in a unanimous decision victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310. He was initially lined up to challenge then-champion Belal Muhammad in the event’s main bout, but Muhammad withdrew due to a health issue. A quick rematch with Muhammad was on the books after UFC 310, but a serious leg injury sustained in training disrupted those plans.
Although he had promised a busy 2025, Rakhmonov is set to close the year without competing. As fans await his return, a provocative challenge from a prominent knockout artist has sparked additional headlines.
Joaquin Buckley Declares Intense Challenge to Rakhmonov
Buckley took to social media to issue a bold callout to Rakhmonov as both fighters eye a 2026 return to the UFC. In an Instagram post, Buckley assertively addressed Rakhmonov’s recent activity and remarks, signaling a desire to settle their disputes inside the cage.
“I’m not interested in that Usman bout,” Buckley stated, alluding to past negotiations. “He tried to pin me down, but nobody wants to trade shots toe-to-toe with me. Shavkat, I heard you talking about ‘black boy’—I’m going to show you where we come from. I’m coming for you, and if you don’t sign, someone’s going to get hurt.”
Buckley also declared his intention to make a lasting impact in the UFC, saying, “I’m here to bury everyone in the UFC.”
Buckley hasn’t competed since a defeat to former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC Atlanta last year. His provocative social media remark referenced by Rakhmonov’s recent posts has added fuel to the drama surrounding the 170-pound division.
With Usman likely positioned as a challenger to Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title in 2026, Rakhmonov and other top contenders are left to prove themselves. A bout between Rakhmonov and Buckley could be a compelling matchup as the calendar flips to 2026, offering a clear path to relevance for both fighters in a crowded scene.
