UFC 310: Belal Muhammad out of Shavkat Rakhmonov welterweight title defence with injury

Belal Muhammad says injury has ruled him out of his welterweight title defence against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 on 7 December.

American Muhammad wrote on X, external he will be sidelined for at least six weeks, meaning he will miss the event in Las Vegas, after suffering a bone infection in his foot.

The 36-year-old was set to make the first defence of his belt after beating Britain’s Leon Edwards in Manchester in July.

“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,” said Muhammad.

“Allah’s plan is the best plan. I’m sorry to everyone that were coming to see me, I’ll be back soon.”

The UFC are yet to confirm Muhammad’s withdrawal but it leaves the card in need of a new main event.

It is unclear if Kazakhstan’s Rakhmonov will remain on the card.

The 30-year-old has won the opening 18 fights of his career and was set to challenge for a UFC title for the first time.

Possible options for the UFC include setting up an interim welterweight title fight between Rakhmonov and another opponent, replacing the bout entirely with a title fight from another weight class, or promoting the co-main to the top of the card.

Brazil’s Alexandre Pantoja is set to defend his flyweight title against Japan’s Kai Asakura in the co-main.