Shavkat Rakhmonov might be #2 in the welterweight category, but his unfortunate knee injury might have cost him his chance to compete for the title. His position is now creating a bit of chaos because current champ Belal Muhammad’s friend Islam Makahchev wants to move up to 170 lbs.

Now, why bring in Dagestani into the mix? Well, because Muhammad vs Jack Della Maddalena is coming up at UFC 315 and the outcome of the fight will decide a lot of things for the division moving forward. If ‘Remember the Name’ wins, Makhachev has a problem going up since both do not want to fight each other. Now if JDM wins, then Makhachev’s road to the welterweight title is clear.

On the other hand, we have #1 Sean Brady in the picture as well, and his chances at fighting for the title are more than Rakhmonov’s. The Kazakh was inches away from his title fight, but ‘Nomad’ missed his chance because Muhammad was injured during UFC 310. And the next time they tried to book him, Rakhmonov was injured before UFC 315 and had to withdraw.

The MMA Poet decided to lay bare the scenario that has afflicted the Kazakh welterweight fighter. They posted, “Regardless of what happens this weekend between Belal and JDM, Shavkat Rakhmonov will be the odd-man out after UFC315. Islam and Brady are more likely to get the next title shot over him, and if Buckley beats Usman in Atlanta, he would be more deserving than Shavkat as well, tbh.”

They also wrote, “Shavkat has been so unlucky lately… 🫤Belal pulls out of UFC 310 first, then Shavkat gets badly injured, and now the division has quickly moved on from him as their number 1 contender.”

On top of that, there is the fight between #4 Kamaru Usman and #7 Joaquin Buckley in June. So, 5 contenders; Makhachev, Buckley, Usman, Brady, and Shavkat are in line right now. This speculation got the fans thinking as well.

Fans react to Shavkat Rakhmonov’s position in the welterweight category

One follower predicted, “Islam and Brady are more likely to get the next title shot over him, and if Buckley beats Usman in Atlanta, he would be more deserving than Shavkat as well, tbh.” Another follower added, “We needed Shavkat v JDM as a number 1 contender matchup across 5 rounds but missed that one.” A great matchup, but due to Rakhmonov’s injury sustained in the previous fight, this could not happen. JDM was also recovering from a broken hand he suffered in March 2024.

A netizen said, “If not title shot then Sean Brady for a number 1 contender fight,” while another commented, “Theres way too many people skipping over sean brady. Hes only lost to Belal, and he beat leon better than belal did. Hes first in line regardless everyone else is fighting top 3-7 guys and saying title shot thats crazy.”

Another fighter brought in the #6 Ian Machado Garry, who recently defeated Carlos Prates via unanimous decision at UFC Kansas 2025. The follower said, “Garry deserves it more than Shavkat, but not Brady.”

Another fan pointed to the #9 Colby Covington, saying, “UFC hates fighters who aren’t named Suga, Jon Jones, Gaethje, or Colby,” while one said, “Shavkat still hasn’t faced a top 5 opponent; he needs to do that first.” Another follower wrote, “Shavkat over Brady, but Islam and Buckley if he wins over Shavkat.” So, what do you think will happen after UFC 315? Share your thoughts in the comments below.