UFC welterweight star Shavkat Rakhmonov is facing personal turmoil after a devastating car crash in Kazakhstan that took the lives of two of his wife’s close friends. The accident occurred on July 27, 2025, in the Moyynkum district of the Zhambyl region, along the Almaty-Yekaterinburg highway. The vehicle, a Toyota Land Cruiser 200, was reportedly being driven by Rakhmonov’s wife, Gulayim, when it lost control and overturned.
Tragically, two women — aged 35 and 39 — were killed in the accident. One died at the scene, while the other succumbed to injuries en route to the hospital. Gulayim and the couple’s three-year-old son sustained head injuries and brain bruising but were later discharged from Shu Municipal Hospital in stable condition. The regional health department confirmed their recovery.
Legal Consequences and UFC Career Impact
Kazakh authorities have launched an investigation into the crash. According to Kursiv Media, Gulayim may face charges under Article 345 of Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code, which pertains to traffic violations resulting in fatalities. If charged and convicted, it could lead to legal complications for the family, adding further strain to their emotional recovery.
Meanwhile, Rakhmonov — a rising star in the UFC — is coping with the dual burden of supporting his recovering family while mourning the loss of two family friends. The 30-year-old fighter, originally from Uzbekistan but raised in Kazakhstan, boasts a 19-0 MMA record and is 7-0 in the UFC. Known as “Nomad,” he was last seen defeating Ian Garry by decision at UFC 310 in December 2024.
Rakhmonov had to withdraw from a title fight at UFC 315 in May 2025 due to a torn MCL, an injury he sustained while preparing for the Garry bout but only addressed surgically afterward. The belt, in his absence, was claimed by Jack Della Maddalena, who is now set to defend it against Islam Makhachev in November 2025.
This tragic event, combined with his recent knee surgery, is expected to delay Rakhmonov’s return to the octagon, although his unbeaten record and high finishing rate still position him as a top contender in the welterweight division.
