Shavkat Rakhmonov may finally be closing in on his UFC return, and he appears interested in testing himself against one of the welterweight division’s fastest-rising stars.
The undefeated contender has been sidelined since December 2024 due to persistent injuries, while Michael Morales has also been left waiting for his next assignment despite building serious momentum in the division.
Morales recently sent a message to the welterweight division, calling out several top names, including champion Islam Makhachev, Carlos Prates, Ian Machado Garry, and Shavkat Rakhmonov, whom he described as the division’s “final boss.”
While no fight has been officially announced, Rakhmonov appeared to respond to the challenge in a recent TikTok post.
“19-0 vs. 19-0,” Rakhmonov wrote, seemingly referencing his unbeaten record and Morales’ perfect professional mark.
The post quickly fueled speculation about a potential clash between two of the most dangerous undefeated fighters in the welterweight division.
Rakhmonov has not competed since earning a victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310. Before injuries halted his momentum, many expected him to be next in line for a welterweight title shot. However, after an extended absence, he may need another high-profile win before re-entering the championship conversation.
Morales, meanwhile, has continued to strengthen his case as a future title challenger. The Ecuadorian standout has impressed with dominant victories over Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns, Neil Magny, and Trevin Giles, establishing himself as one of the division’s most feared finishers.
His most recent win came against Brady in November 2025, but he has yet to receive another booking despite calls for a title opportunity.
With both fighters currently without opponents, a matchup between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Morales could be one of the biggest welterweight fights the UFC can make outside of a title bout.
The stakes would be massive. Both men remain unbeaten at 19-0, and a victory would likely place the winner at the front of the queue for a shot at UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
