UFC 310 was dealt a blow as Belal Muhammad, the welterweight champion, announced he would no longer be able to compete against Shavkat Rakhmonov on December 7 due to a bone infection in his foot. Muhammad shared the news on his Instagram, along with photos of his injury. It is uncertain if Rakhmonov will remain on the card, but the top contender has expressed his willingness to fight anyone for an interim title. Wishing Muhammad a speedy recovery, Rakhmonov is ready to take on any contender for the interim title at UFC 310.
Belal Muhammad Withdraws from UFC 310 Due to Injury
On November 23, 2023, Belal Muhammad announced via Instagram that he would be withdrawing from his scheduled bout against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 due to a bone infection in his foot.
Muhammad, the reigning UFC welterweight champion, revealed that he had been experiencing pain in his foot for several weeks and had recently undergone an MRI that confirmed the infection.
"I'm devastated to have to pull out of this fight," Muhammad said. "I've been training hard and I was really looking forward to competing against Shavkat. But I need to prioritize my health and follow the advice of my doctors."
It is unclear if Rakhmonov will remain on the UFC 310 card, but the top contender has expressed his willingness to fight anyone for an interim title.
"I'm sorry to hear that Belal is injured," Rakhmonov said. "I wish him a speedy recovery. But if the UFC is interested, I'm ready to fight anyone for the interim title at UFC 310."
Background
Muhammad, 34, is a veteran of the UFC with a record of 21-3. He won the welterweight championship in 2023 by defeating Leon Edwards via unanimous decision.
Rakhmonov, 29, is a rising star in the UFC with a perfect record of 16-0. He has won all five of his UFC fights by either submission or TKO.
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