UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad was set to have his first title defense at the UFC 310. Unfortunately for the fighter, he suffered a bone infection on his toe that led to a withdrawal.
The champ was scheduled to battle Shavkat Rakhmonov, but the fight has been canceled due to this complication. Muhammad took to Instagram to announce that he wouldn’t be fighting and would be taking a six-week hiatus for recovery.
“Caught a bone infection in my foot,” Muhammad wrote. “Had to put a PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line in my arm for IV antibiotics for the next six weeks with no physical activity.
“Allah’s plan is the best plan. I’m sorry to everyone that were coming to see me. I’ll be back soon. Inshallah.”
Following this news, Rakhmonov took to social media to wish Muhammad a full recovery.
“Wishing Belal a quick recovery. We’ll meet when you’re back at 100%. For now, I’m ready to take on any contender for the interim title at #UFC310.”
As of now, Muhammad’s replacement has not been found. It hasn’t been confirmed yet whether Rakhmonov is willing to fight another or if he will wait and rebook the fight, but fans are hopeful.
Muhammad captured the title with a unanimous decision victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July. “Remember the Name” is unbeaten in his past 11 bouts and hasn’t tasted defeat in nearly six years.
Rakhmonov earned his first UFC championship opportunity with a second-round submission of Stephen Thompson at UFC 296 this past December. “Nomad” has finished all 18 of the opponents he’s faced as a pro.
