TLDR
- Shavkat Rakhmonov posted “19-0 VS 19-0” on TikTok, hinting at a fight with Michael Morales
- Rakhmonov hasn’t fought since December 2024 due to torn ACL and meniscus surgery
- Morales recently called out Rakhmonov as “the final boss” of the welterweight division
- Both fighters hold identical 19-0 undefeated records in professional MMA
- The matchup could determine the next title challenger after Carlos Prates faces Islam Makhachev
Sources: sherdog.com | mmafighting.com | nyfights.com
UFC welterweight Shavkat Rakhmonov has teased a potential return fight against fellow undefeated contender Michael Morales. The Kazakh fighter posted “19-0 VS 19-0” on his TikTok account, suggesting a matchup between the two fighters who share identical records.
Rakhmonov has been out of action since December 2024, when he defeated Ian Garry at UFC 310. He suffered a torn ACL and meniscus during that fight and initially tried to recover without surgery.
Shavkat Rakhmonov teases that he will be returning to fight Michael Morales in 2027 👀
“⏳🕷️ 2027”
(Via @Rakhmonov1994 / TT) pic.twitter.com/xygMMdWaqN
— Title Fight (@TitleFightMedia) October 7, 2026
The 30-year-old eventually underwent surgery on January 31, 2026, with doctors estimating a nine to 10-month recovery period. His manager Daniel Rubenstein said in May 2026 that Rakhmonov likely wouldn’t return until 2027 at the earliest.
Rakhmonov was removed from the UFC’s official welterweight rankings in February 2026 after being inactive for nearly 13 months. He was previously considered a top title contender before his injury.
Morales Calls Out Top Welterweights
Michael Morales recently released a video calling out several top fighters in the welterweight division. He named champion Islam Makhachev, Carlos Prates, Ian Garry, and Rakhmonov as potential opponents.
Morales referred to Rakhmonov as “the final boss” of the division in his callout video. The 25-year-old Ecuadorian fighter hasn’t competed since knocking out Sean Brady in the first round at UFC 322 in November 2025.
Morales has won his last three fights by first-round knockout. His recent victories include Brady, Gilbert Burns, and Neil Magny.
Both fighters currently hold 19-0 professional MMA records. They are the only two welterweights in the UFC with matching undefeated records.
Title Implications for Welterweight Division
Carlos Prates is currently expected to challenge Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title next. Makhachev won the title after defeating Ian Garry while Rakhmonov was recovering from his knee injury.
A fight between Rakhmonov and Morales could determine the next title challenger after Prates. Both fighters were climbing the welterweight rankings before Rakhmonov’s injury derailed his momentum.
Rakhmonov had finished all 18 of his first opponents before going the distance with Garry. His previous wins include Stephen Thompson and Geoff Neal.
Rakhmonov’s coaches have posted training footage showing his recovery progress. He was seen wearing a protective boot as recently as summer 2026 but appears to be preparing for a return.
Morales also posted another hint on TikTok featuring a spider emoji, which matches his personal logo, along with “2027.” The posts suggest both fighters are targeting an early 2027 matchup for their potential clash.
