UFC Injury Report: Rakhmonov, Topuria, and Aspinall Make Major Strides in Recovery

The UFC landscape is currently shaped as much by who is in the medical room as who is in the Octagon. However, August has brought a wave of positive recovery news for several of the promotion's biggest stars, signaling a massive influx of elite talent preparing to re-enter the fray.[1][6]

In the welterweight division, undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov has finally returned to the mats. "The Nomad," who boasts a flawless 19-0 record with 18 finishes, has been sidelined since a decision victory over Ian Machado Garry in December 2024.[1][2]

Rakhmonov fought that bout with a compromised knee and subsequently underwent surgery earlier this year. Initial forecasts suggested he would miss the entirety of 2026, leaving the 170-pound title picture to move on without him as the belt changed hands.[1][2]

However, new training footage has sparked hope for an earlier comeback. The video shows Rakhmonov moving smoothly, stuffing takedown attempts, and engaging in full sparring sessions without apparent restriction. His management is now targeting an early 2027 return, noting he will likely need a high-profile matchup to re-establish his title credentials.[1][2]

Down at lightweight, former champion Ilia Topuria is also making remarkable progress following one of the year's most brutal encounters. Topuria suffered a TKO loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June, sustaining severe facial damage in the process.[3][7]

Medical reports confirmed that Topuria suffered non-displaced fractures in both orbital bones, alongside a broken nose. The damage was so extensive that Gaethje's strikes temporarily compromised Topuria's vision, forcing a corner stoppage at the end of the fourth round.[3][4]

In a massive relief for his camp, the stability of the fractures meant Topuria did not require surgery. He was discharged from a Washington, D.C. hospital and placed on a standard 180-day medical suspension to allow the bones to heal naturally.[4][7]

His physical trainer, Jesus Gallo, recently confirmed that the swelling and bruising have vanished entirely. "Day by day, he already looks like a completely different person," Gallo noted, adding that the bones should solidify enough for light training within a few months.[3]

This rapid healing was corroborated by recent photos of Topuria vacationing in Ibiza with Spanish soccer star Ferran Torres. In the images, Topuria's face appears completely clear of the gruesome damage sustained just six weeks prior, though he remains officially ruled out for the remainder of 2026.[4][5]

In the heavyweight division, Tom Aspinall has finally received the green light to resume his career. Aspinall fought to a controversial no-contest against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 last October after absorbing multiple severe eye pokes.[6]

The damage required multiple eye surgeries to repair, keeping the British heavyweight sidelined for nearly a year. This week, medical officials finally cleared Aspinall to resume full-contact training, paving the way for a highly anticipated rematch with Gane before the end of the year.[6]

Finally, women's bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison is also on the mend. Harrison won the title over 12 months ago but has been unable to defend it due to a serious neck injury that ultimately required surgical repair.[6]

While a firm date has not been set, Harrison's recovery is progressing well. The promotion is reportedly eyeing her return as the perfect opportunity to welcome former two-weight champion Amanda Nunes back from retirement.[6]

The simultaneous recovery of Rakhmonov, Topuria, Aspinall, and Harrison provides a stabilizing force for the UFC's long-term matchmaking. While the current calendar relies on active champions, the looming return of these distinct stars guarantees high-stakes matchups on the horizon.[1][6]