Shavkat Rakhmonov is Coming Back for War After Injury Derails His Title Hopes

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Feb 21, 2025, 18:27 IST

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Shavkat Rakhmonov was set to challenge for the UFC welterweight title at UFC 315 but has been sidelined due to an injury. As a result, Jack Della Maddalena will face reigning champ Belal Muhammad instead. Rakhmonov promises to return and claim the title later this year.

Shavkat Rakhmonov is Coming Back for War After Injury Derails His Title Hopes

Shavkat Rakhmonov. Image via: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

If you thought 2025 was the year Shavkat Rakhmonov finally strapped UFC gold around his waist, hit pause on that celebration. The undefeated welterweight assassin was handed a golden ticket— a title shot at UFC 315. But instead of stepping into the Octagon for the biggest fight of his career, he’s stuck on the sidelines, nursing an injury. But don’t think for a second that this is the end of the road just yet. Rakhmonov made it loud and clear— he’s coming back, and when he does, the belt is as good as his.

Shavkat Rakhmonov’s Title Shot Slips Away as Injury Strikes

Shavkat Rakhmonov broke the news himself, and it hit hard, "Big thanks to the UFC for offering me the shot at the belt first. Unfortunately, due to injury, I won’t be ready for May. I’ll be facing the winner later this year!"

Translation? UFC 315 will roll on without him. No title shot, no chance to prove he’s the most dangerous man in the division—at least, not yet. While the details of his injury are still under wraps, one thing’s for sure: bad luck just cost him the fight of his life, and it couldn’t have come at a worse time.
With Rakhmonov out, someone had to step in. That someone? Jack Della Maddalena. The Australian knockout artist will now challenge reigning champ Belal Muhammad in Montreal. It’s a killer matchup—Della Maddalena brings crisp boxing and vicious finishing ability, while Muhammad’s relentless pressure and wrestling have made him nearly impossible to beat. But no matter who wins, they won’t have much time to celebrate. Because lurking in the shadows? A hungry, undefeated Kazakh nightmare.
Rakhmonov might be sidelined now, but let’s get one thing straight: this is just a delay, not a derailment. Undefeated, 100% finish rate before his last fight, and a quiet confidence that screams danger—he’s the future of this division, and everybody knows it. Whoever walks out of UFC 315 with that belt? They’re not the real champ until they go through him.
ALSO READ: Belal Muhammad will defend UFC welterweight title against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 315, Dana White confirms
Fans are rooting for the the show in May but when Rakhmonov returns, there will be a new drama as he lost the title shot.

About the Author

TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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