Shavkat Rakhmonov has become one of the most compelling figures in the UFC. Known as ‘Nomad’, his meteoric rise through the welterweight rankings has been nothing short of spectacular. With an 18-0 professional record, he has cemented himself as a force to be reckoned with by finishing all six of his UFC opponents via either KO/TKO or submission., leading to an eye-popping 100% finishing rate, according to Tapology!

In the Octagon, Rakhmonov remains a puzzle few can solve. Outside of it, he’s a mystery wrapped in an enigma. Fans love to speculate about the personal lives of their favorite stars, and Rakhmonov is no exception. Is the stoic warrior single? Or has he quietly found a partner amid his chaotic rise to fame?

What is Shavkat Rakhmonov’s relationship status?

Born in Shoʻrchi, Uzbekistan, to a Kazakh family, Shavkat Rakhmonov‘s roots trace back to the Alimuly tribe of the Junior Zhuz. As an amateur, he already showed glimpses of what was to come by winning the WMMAA World and Asian Championships before beginning his professional career in 2014 under the M-1 banner.

The incredible run of performances for the promotion caught the UFC’s eye and he became the first Kazakh fighter to secure a UFC contract, making his debut in 2020. But while the move to the UFC made him a recognizable figure, Rakhmonov has kept his personal life a tightly guarded secret. As of now, no information suggests he’s in a relationship. Whether he’s truly single or simply keeping his private life off the internet is anyone’s guess.

But the Kazakh fighter has always prioritized his craft over everything else, a testament to his undefeated record. In 2023, ‘Nomad’ even confessed that he missed his sister’s wedding due to him being busy preparing for his UFC 296 clash against Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson.

According to an interview with Ariel Helwani at the time, Rakhmonov had shared, “I have to focus on the preparation at the moment… I’m very happy for my sister, she got married and I wish her only happiness, but getting ready for the fight and the fight is my job.”

This incredible commitment might explain why his personal life remains shrouded in mystery. But even then, the UFC’s backstage stories can sometimes add an extra layer of entertainment and the same happened with Rakhmonov and UFC analyst and commentator, Laura Sanko!

Laura Sanko and Rakhmonov’s wholesome story

It all began after Shavkat Rakhmonov’s thrilling victory over Geoff Neal at UFC 285. Laura Sanko couldn’t hide her admiration for his performance and her praise sent fans into a frenzy, with many humorously suggesting a potential romance between the two.

However, Sanko was quick to address the fandom as she later clarified, “Can we please address this? I don’t have a crush on the man. I like his fighting style, an entire country thinks I do and I need to correct the record. Still a fan, I just don’t have a crush. The entire country of Kazakhstan is very excited about it because I got like 20,000 new followers after that day. No, I have a husband.”

Rakhmonov, ever the gentleman, acknowledged the kind words but kept things professional as he stated after UFC 285, “Yes, of course. I saw that video. What can I say? As a man, you always like when a woman adores you.” For fans, the intrigue surrounding his personal life is just another chapter in the fascinating story of Shavkat Rakhmonov. While the speculation may continue, so too will his relentless march toward UFC greatness.

Now, Rakhmonov is set to take on another undefeated welterweight, Ian Garry, at UFC 310. While the bout for ‘Nomad’ was originally supposed to be for the 170 lbs. title against Belal Muhammad, the champion suffered a bone infection that forced him to the sidelines. However, a win here will decide who gets to challenge Muhammad once he returns. Who will lose their ‘0’ at UFC 310, Garry or Rakhmonov? Let us know your picks in the comments below!