Belal Muhammad Withdraws from UFC 310 Title Defense Due to Injury

Belal Muhammad, who currently holds a 10-fight win streak, has announced his withdrawal from his scheduled welterweight title defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 on December 7, citing an injury. The American fighter communicated on X, an external platform, that a bone infection in his foot will necessitate a minimum six-week recovery period, preventing his participation in the Las Vegas event. The 36-year-old was slated to undertake his initial title defense, having secured the belt by defeating Britain’s Leon Edwards in Manchester in July. Muhammad stated, “Caught a bone infection in my foot. Had to put a Picc line (peripherally inserted central catheter) in my arm for IV antibiotics the next six weeks with no physical activity.” He added, “Allah’s plan is the best plan. I’m sorry to everyone that were coming to see me, I’ll be back soon.” While the UFC has not yet officially confirmed Muhammad’s withdrawal, this development necessitates a replacement for the main event on the fight card. The status of Kazakhstan’s Rakhmonov on the card following this change remains uncertain. The 30-year-old, who boasts an undefeated record of 18 wins in his professional career, was scheduled to contend for a UFC title for the inaugural time. Potential courses of action for the UFC include arranging an interim welterweight title bout featuring Rakhmonov against a different competitor, substituting the entire fight with a championship match from an alternative weight division, or elevating the co-main event to the primary slot on the card. Brazil’s Alexandre Pantoja is slated to defend his flyweight title against Japan’s Kai Asakura in what is currently the co-main event.