Shavkat Rakhmonov hasn’t been seen in action for a long minute, and UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena believes the division isn’t waiting around anymore.
Once viewed as a guaranteed threat to the 170-pound title, Rakhmonov has slipped into uncertainty. His last appearance came in late 2024, when he beat Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision.
Rakhmonov was expected to challenge Belal Muhammad for the welterweight belt at UFC 315, but an injury pulled him out. Della Maddalena stepped in, took the opportunity, and walked away with the gold. Now, as he prepares for his first title defense, he’s honest about where things stand.
“It’s hard for me to tell,” Della Maddalena told MMA Fighting. “I think the division has moved on. If you stay inactive, you fall behind. Someone like Sean Brady has been so active. Ian Garry too. How can Shavkat stay in that top position when these guys are fighting? Whoever’s next is whoever the UFC tells me is next.”
That hasn’t stopped the champion from embracing any challenge. When the UFC called with Islam Makhachev as his first title defense at UFC 322, Della Maddalena didn’t blink. Makhachev has never fought at welterweight, but his résumé is elite and the champion is here for all smoke.
The welterweight division is buzzing on the same night he defends his throne. Sean Brady meets Michael Morales in New York, while former champion Leon Edwards returns against Carlos Prates. A week later, Garry faces Belal Muhammad in Qatar. Then there’s Kamaru Usman, fresh off a dominant win over Joaquin Buckley, right back in the mix.
“The next few weeks are huge for the welterweights,” Della Maddalena said. “All the top guys are fighting each other. We’re going to see who really deserves that next spot.”
As for Rakhmonov, the window hasn’t closed but it’s definitely drafty. If he returns in early 2026 and picks up a big win, he can flip the story again. For now, though, availability is the real currency in the title race.
“I think activity is key,” Della Maddalena said. “You sit on the sidelines too long, you fall behind.”
Right now, the welterweight division is moving fast, and Rakhmonov risks getting left behind. The talent pool is stacked, contenders are hungry, and the champion is ready for all comers. If Rakhmonov wants his claim back, he’ll need to return with urgency and impact.
