The UFC have removed a star fighter from the official rankings after they confirmed they suffered a brutal injury.
We're just five weeks into 2026 and the UFC have enjoyed a strong start to the year after holding numbered cards in Las Vegas and Sydney in two consecutive weeks.
Justin Gaethje beat popular Liverpudlian Paddy Pimblett to win the interim lightweight title at the start of the year at UFC 324, before Alexander Volkanovski defended his featherweight belt in a rematch with Diego Lopes in the main even of UFC 325.
Following both events, all eyes now look ahead to the exciting events coming up in the coming months, including the UFC's return to London next month.
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But unfortunately, some disappointing news has slowed down the UFC's positive momentum as the organisation were forced to remove a star fighter from the rankings.
The welterweight division is arguably the most exciting weight class in the UFC at the minute, with a number of top fighters all firmly in the title picture.
Kazakhstan's Shavkat Rakhmonov is one of the top contenders right at the top of the welterweight division at the minute, but has been held back from getting a shot at the belt due to injury issues.
Rakhmonov boasts an unblemished record of 19 wins and zero losses, but has been sidelined his win over Ian Machado Garry in late 2024.
It was widely expected that he would finally return to the octagon in early 2026, but it's now been confirmed that he will likely be out for all of 2026 as well after he was forced to undergo another knee surgery.
“A fighter’s path has never been easy,” Rakhmonov wrote in a statement posted to social media.
“Live doesn’t give us challenges we can’t 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’ve had another surgery and will need time to fully recover. As a result, my return to the octagon will be postponed.
“It’s not easy to accept but I truly believe every setback is part of a bigger plan. I 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’s an important chapter of it.”
The statement came after a video begane circulating on social media that appeared to show the 31-year-old on crutches and in a leg brace.
After the news was confirmed, the UFC reacted by removing Rakhmonov from the official welterweight rankings, where he was previously the no.2 ranked contender behind former champion Jack Della Maddalena.
Topics: UFC, MMA, Injury, Welterweight
Ben McCrum