Belal Muhammad drops out of UFC 310 title defense due to bone infection

Belal Muhammad was forced out of his welterweight title defense against Shavkhat Rakhmonov in December, the UFC champion announced Thursday.

Muhammad (24-3) was scheduled to defend his title for the first time against undefeated Rakhmonov (18-0) in the main event of UFC 310 in Las Vegas on December 7. In a post on social media, Muhammad said he had developed a bone infection in his foot that would prevent him from physical activity for at least six weeks. The UFC has not announced whether Rakhmonov will remain on the card against another opponent.

“I'm sorry everyone came to see me, I'll be back soon,” Muhammad wrote on social media.

I got a bone infection in my foot. I had to put a picc line in my arm to get intravenous antibiotics for the next 6 weeks with no physical activity… Allah's plan is the best plan. I'm sorry to everyone who came to visit me. I'll be back soon, inshAllah pic.twitter.com/xbXj2B8Szy

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 31, 2024

Muhammad won the title earlier this year in a dominant decision over Leon Edwards. Rakhmonov has long been considered an underdog in the 170-pound class. He won all 18 of his professional victories in the finish.

The UFC will likely need an addition to the pay-per-view event at T-Mobile Arena. Currently, the co-main event is a flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura. Former bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling is set to face Movsar Evloev in the featherweight division. Longtime fan favorite Nick Diaz is set to return for the first time in three years.