Doctor Kickass

Glimpse into Shavkat’s Rehab
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Here is a very small glimpse at ‘s rehab. While the official surgery has not been disclosed he was reported to have a brace and crutches back in January post op. I suspect it is a ACL recon and meniscus repair. With reports to be out for 9-10 months.

The biggest takeaway is the quad atrophy. While girth measurements are not a stand alone return to sport test there is moderate correlation between thigh size and quad strength isometric limb symmetry index (Krahn 2025). That is a standard return to sport test.

Statistically UFC fighters are out on average 14 months from ACL surgery -> 1st fight (7.9-19.5 months range) (Ghahremani 2024). Considering this is the 2nd knee injury with significant quad atrophy I suspect he will not be back in the Octagon until mid 2027

Reference
Krahn, A. N., Monson, J. K., LaPrade, R. F., Eggleston, G. G., & Greufe, N. A. (2025). The Clinical Utility of Thigh Circumferential Measurement in Association with Quadriceps Limb Symmetry. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 20(6), 885.

Ghahremani, J. S., D**g, H. W., Watarastaporn, ., Al-Khatib, N. A, Khalil, L. S., Mehran, N. (2024). Detensive pertormance declines in ultimate nghtin championship fighters tollowing anterior cruciate ligament
reconstruction. Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation, 6(5), 100961.