Shavkat Rakhmonov Cleared to Return by March, Open to Usman Prove-It Fight or Title Shot

Overview

• Rakhmonov says he is healthy and medically cleared, targeting a return at the end of February or in March after a year out.
• He reports a torn meniscus and ACL that he says occurred before the Ian Machado Garry fight, followed by surgery and rehab.
• Rakhmonov maintains he was promised a future title opportunity after withdrawing injured from a booked championship bout.
• He is willing to take a No. 1 contender fight and named Kamaru Usman as his preferred opponent, though he doubts Usman will accept after past refusals.
• The welterweight picture has shifted with Islam Makhachev as champion and Garry rising in the ranks, while Rakhmonov remains 19-0 with a 7-0 UFC mark.