Key Highlights
- Shavkat Rakhmonov suffered a knee injury before UFC 310.
- The UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena believes the division has moved on without Shavkat.
- Active contenders like Sean Brady and Gabriel Bonfim continue to fight in the 170-pound weight class.
- Della Maddalena defends his title against Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 on Nov. 15, 2025.
Shavkat’s Injury and Impact on the Welterweight Division
UFC welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov faced a devastating setback in his career when he suffered a knee injury before UFC 310, which forced him to remain inactive for nearly a year. This unfortunate turn of events has led to significant changes within the division.
Jack Della Maddalena’s Analysis
Reigning UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena expressed his views on the current state of the 170-pound weight class in an interview with MMA Fighting. According to Della Maddalena, “the division has moved on” without Shavkat. He emphasized that inactivity can have detrimental effects: “If you stay inactive, you kind of fall behind.” This sentiment reflects a common concern among top fighters who must remain active to maintain their competitive edge.
Active Contenders Thriving
The absence of Rakhmonov has created opportunities for other contenders in the 170-pound weight class. Active fighters such as Sean Brady and Gabriel Bonfim have been performing well, maintaining a strong presence in the rankings. Additionally, rebounding ex-champions Kamaru Usman and Leon Edwards are also contributing to the dynamic of the division.
UFC 322: A High-Stakes Event
The upcoming UFC 322 event on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York City will feature a stacked lineup. The main event pits dominant Russian Lightweight champion Islam Makhachev against reigning Welterweight kingpin Jack Della Maddalena for the title. In the co-headlining match, women’s Flyweight queenpin Valentina “Bullet” Shevchenko defends her throne against Strawweight powerhouse Zhang Weili.
Della Maddalena added, “the next few weeks is a good time for the welterweights,” as it will determine who among the top contenders will be the next in line. The upcoming fights are expected to lay out the order of potential matchups, making this period crucial for both established and aspiring champions.
