Rakhmonov says he’s still next in line for a welterweight title shot after Belal Muhammad and Jack Della Maddalena scrap for the belt at UFC 315.
A welterweight title shot between champion Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov is off yet again due to an injury to “Nomad.” Taking Rakhmonov’s place is Jack Della Maddalena, who will fight Muhammad as the main event of UFC 315 in Montreal on May 10th.
This is the second time that Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov has failed to come together. The two were set to scrap at UFC 310 on December 7th. Unfortunately, Muhammad was forced to withdraw due to a bad bone infection. Shavkat stayed on the card and fought Ian Machado Garry instead, winning a close decision.
Following the win, it was reported that Shavkat had fought with a serious knee injury. We don’t know if that’s the same injury keeping him off UFC 315, but a torn MCL would certainly track time wise.
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!
— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) February 20, 2025
After UFC CEO Dana White made the welterweight title change announcement, Rakhmonov took to X (formerly Twitter) with a short statement.
“Big thanks to the UFC for offering me the shot at the belt first,” he wrote. “Unfortunately, due to injury, I won’t be ready for May. I’ll be facing the winner later this year!”
It’s good to hear that Shavkat isn’t losing his place in line over this. The UFC isn’t always great about keeping contenders in the No. 1 spot after injuries, but considering “Nomad” stayed on UFC 310 despite having an injury, they owe him.
Belal Muhammad vs. Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title headlines the UFC’s May 15th return to Montreal, with Valentina Shevchenko vs. Manon Fiorot for the women’s flyweight title serving as co-main.
For you UK fans wondering who Leon Edwards is fighting now that Jack Della has been pinched? He’ll now face wrestling powerhouse Sean Brady, not Michael “Venom” Page (who was RIGHT THERE AND READY).