Shavkat Rakhmonov’s wife and three-year-old son survived a terrible car crash in Kazakhstan that killed two friends. The accident happened on July 27, 2025, in the Zhambyl region. Both were hospitalized but are now recovering at home. The crash left Rakhmonov, a top welterweight contender, supporting his wife after losing two close friends.
Details of the Deadly Crash
The crash happened on the Almaty-Yekaterinburg highway in the Moyynkum district, per Kursiv Media. A Toyota Land Cruiser 200, driven by Rakhmonov’s wife, Gulayim, lost control and flipped over. Two women, aged 35 and 39, her close friends, died—one at the scene, one on the way to the hospital. Gulayim and her son suffered head injuries and brain bruising. They were treated at Shu Municipal Hospital’s trauma unit.
Since they were in stable condition, they left the hospital after being treated, per the regional department of health. Rakhmonov’s manager, Daniel Rubenstein, confirmed their stable condition, per MMA Fighting. An investigation is ongoing, and Gulayim may face charges under Kazakhstan’s Criminal Code Article 345 for traffic violations causing deaths.
Yesterday, a tragic car accident occurred in Kazakhstan, involving the wife and son of UFC fighter Shavkat Rakhmonov. The Toyota Land Cruiser 200, reportedly driven by Rakhmonov’s wife, overturned, resulting in the deaths of two women (aged 35 and 39, friends of Rakhmonov’s… pic.twitter.com/u9a52a30LB
— Matysek (@Matysek88) July 28, 2025
Shavkat Rakhmonov, a 30-year-old from Uzbekistan, raised in Kazakhstan, has a 19-0 MMA record, with 7-0 in the UFC. Known as “Nomad,” he debuted in the UFC in 2020, submitting Alex Oliveira. He later finished Michel Prazeres, Carlston Harris, Neil Magny, Geoff Neal, and Stephen Thompson. His latest win, a decision over Ian Garry at UFC 310 in December 2024, made him the No. 1 welterweight contender. He trains at Kill Cliff FC.
Rakhmonov missed a title shot at UFC 315 in May 2025 due to a torn MCL requiring surgery. Jack Della Maddalena stepped in, beating Belal Muhammad for the welterweight belt. Jack Della Maddalena, after beating Muhammad, is set to face Islam Makhachev for the welterweight title in November 2025. Rakhmonov fought Garry with the injury and underwent surgery afterward. His perfect record and high finishing rate keep him a top contender, but his knee surgery and this tragedy will delay his return.
Gulayim and her son are recovering at home under medical care. Rakhmonov has not spoken publicly, and his team remains quiet. His UFC return is uncertain, with a possible title fight against Della Maddalena or Muhammad in October 2025, per Jon Anik on the Anik & Florian podcast. Fans have sent prayers.
