Shavkat Rakhmonov addresses next UFC fight

Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov could soon be making their returns to the Octagon. Both top welterweight contenders have been sidelined for an extended period. Morales is still awaiting his next booking following a commanding victory over Sean Brady in November 2025, while injuries have kept Rakhmonov out of action since December 2024.

Morales recently published a video sending a stern warning to the rest of the 170-pound division. He called out champion Islam Makhachev, Carlos Prates, Ian Machado Garry, and Rakhmonov, whom he labeled the "final boss."

Although there is still no official confirmation of a matchup, Rakhmonov appears ready to put his flawless 19-0 record on the line against Morales' identical tally. The Kazakh contender teased the potential clash in a TikTok post. While he did not mention his rival by name, the message was unmistakable given their mirroring records and Morales' recent callout.

Persistent knee issues prevented Rakhmonov from immediately building on his triumph over Ian Machado Garry. In his absence, it was the Irishman who secured a shot at Makhachev's championship crown. Morales has also had to remain patient despite cementing his reputation as a premier contender with three straight first-round knockouts over Brady, Gilbert Burns, and Neil Magny.

Morales continues to target marquee names for his comeback. In addition to Makhachev, he has his eyes on several top-tier contenders across the division, with Ian Machado Garry having already fired back at his remarks.