UFC boss comments on Shavkat Rakhmonov’s return

Dana White commented on a possible fight between the two undefeated welterweights, Kazakhstan’s Shavkat Rakhmonov and Ecuador’s Michael Morales.

The UFC head said the matchup had been discussed for early 2027. White also noted that the UFC is preparing a large number of announcements for major and exciting fights in January and February.

- We are seeing a lot of back and forth online right now between Michael Morales and Shavkod Rachmanov. Does the promotion have any plans to put that together for 2027?

- Could be, could be. We actually have a lot of cool stuff going on right now that we went over yesterday. And yeah, we got a lot of good announcements coming up. The end of this year is going to be incredible. And then, you know, I think because of the way that this year played out and the way the end is, we are going to have a good January, February too, - Dana White replied.

Dana White is looking forward to the start of 2027 👀 [ Full Interview HERE! https://t.co/mT9yqz5cDl ] https://t.co/0f0RP3GBpe

— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) October 14, 2026

A Tengrinews.kz correspondent contacted Eduard Bazrov, coach of the Kazakhstani star, who said the team is currently at a training camp.

He also said Morales would be a good comeback opponent for Rakhmonov in the UFC, although even a victory over him would not guarantee the Kazakhstani a title fight against Islam Makhachev.

“We are currently in the mountains, training is underway and we are preparing for fights. I don’t know what Dana White said, I have no information on that, and at the moment I cannot give a timeframe for Shavkat’s return to the Octagon. Morales is an undefeated fighter, very physically strong, with heavy punches — a dangerous opponent. I can’t say whether Shavkat would be first in line for the title if that fight happens and he wins. There are plenty of other contenders besides Shavkat, so time will tell,” Bazrov told Tengrinews.kz.

Earlier, in an interview with our editorial team, Eduard Bazrov said that if everything goes according to plan, Shavkat Rakhmonov should be ready to fight by early spring 2027.

“As for Shavkat’s return, we are looking at February or early March, roughly around that time. If everything goes well and according to our plan — and so far everything is going according to plan — he could return around then,” the coach said.

Morales challenges Rakhmonov

Earlier, Michael Morales posted a video on social media addressing UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.

He said he was ready to fight him, but if the UFC instead books Makhachev against another top contender, Carlos Prates, Morales already has an opponent lined up for 2027.

The Ecuadorian said that he would fight Shavkat Rakhmonov next year.

“But if you guys have other plans. Islam, if you prefer Prates because you want an easier opponent, then I have a fight for 2027. The final boss of this division is Shavkat Rakhmonov. You know where to find me,” Morales said.

Morales is the last undefeated fighter in the UFC rankings

The Ecuadorian fighter is the only representative of the UFC top 15 with a perfect 19-0 record. Kazakhstani star Shavkat Rakhmonov has the same record.

Morales last competed at UFC 322, held on November 15, 2025, at Madison Square Garden in New York, United States. He faced experienced American fighter Sean Brady.

The fight ended in the first round. Morales took control from the opening bell, putting heavy pressure on Brady and landing accurate strikes. Midway through the round, he caught his opponent with a powerful combination and knocked him out.