Career Timeline of Shavkat Rakhmonov: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 27, 2025

Discover the career path of Shavkat Rakhmonov, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Shavkat Rakhmonov is a Kazakh professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Welterweight division. He is a former M-1 Global Welterweight Champion and currently ranked #2 in the UFC welterweight rankings (as of December 10, 2024). He has been a professional MMA fighter since 2014.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

October 2014: Professional Debut and Early Career

In October 2014, Shavkat Rakhmonov made his professional MMA debut with a first-round triangle choke victory against Adam Tsurov at M-1 Challenge 52.

2014: Professional MMA Debut

In 2014, Shavkat Rakhmonov started his professional MMA career.

December 2018: Title Defense at Battle of Nomads 11

In December 2018, Rakhmonov defended his belt at Battle of Nomads 11 against Rinat Sayakbaev.

October 24, 2020: UFC 254 Victory Over Oliveira

On October 24, 2020, at UFC 254, Shavkat Rakhmonov fought Alex Oliveira after Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos pulled out due to injury. Oliveira missed weight, and Rakhmonov won the fight via guillotine choke submission in the first round.

June 26, 2021: UFC Fight Night Victory

On June 26, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov, Shavkat Rakhmonov faced Michel Prazeres and won via rear-naked choke submission in the second round.

February 5, 2022: UFC Fight Night Victory and Award

On February 5, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland, Shavkat Rakhmonov faced Carlston Harris and won the fight via knockout in round one. This performance earned him the Performance of the Night award.

June 25, 2022: UFC on ESPN 38 Victory and Bonus Award

On June 25, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 38, Shavkat Rakhmonov faced Neil Magny and won the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the second round. This win earned him the Performance of the Night bonus award.

March 4, 2023: Victory over Geoff Neal at UFC 285

On March 4, 2023, at UFC 285, Shavkat Rakhmonov faced Geoff Neal, winning via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round, earning his first Fight of the Night award. Neal missed weight for the fight.

December 16, 2023: Victory over Stephen Thompson at UFC 296

On December 16, 2023, at UFC 296, Shavkat Rakhmonov faced Stephen Thompson and won via a rear-naked choke submission, becoming the first person to ever finish Thompson by submission in his MMA career.

December 7, 2024: Victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310

On December 7, 2024, Shavkat Rakhmonov was scheduled to compete for the UFC Welterweight Championship against current champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 310, but instead faced Ian Machado Garry in a 5-round title eliminator, and won the fight by unanimous decision in his first MMA decision victory.