Belal Muhammad has been forced to pull out of his main event clash at UFC 310.
The UFC welterweight champion was scheduled to defend his title for the first time against Shavkat Rakhmonov on December 7.
‘Remember The Name’ claimed the 170lb strap by defeating Birmingham’s Leon Edwards after five rounds at UFC 304 Manchester in July.
Muhammad debuted with Dana White’s promotion eight years ago after a stint with Titan Fighting and has lost just three of his 19 UFC bouts.
The 36-year-old took to Instagram on Thursday to reveal the nasty foot infection that has led to his withdrawal from the Las Vegas card.
“Caught a bone infection in my foot,” Muhammad said. “Had to put a PICC line in my arm for IV antibiotics 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.”
Rakhmonov has since reacted to Muhammad’s injury via X.
He said: “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 UFC 310.”
Conor McGregor has also responded to the injury on the same platform by laughing at the current welterweight champion.
No.7 ranked welterweight Ian Garry reacted to the news too with a previous clip of him saying he would ‘love to get his hands on Rakhmonov’.
Muhammad’s injury has caused a real problem for UFC matchmakers with the main event set to take place in just over one month.
Dana White’s promotion are yet to make an announcement on how the revised Las Vegas card will look, but rumours have circulated that an Alex Pereira fight could be replace the main event.
MMAMania reported that the light heavyweight champion has been approached to fight No.1 contender Magomed Ankalaev on short notice.
Russia’s Ankalaev was victorious against Aleksandar Rakic on Saturday at UFC 308, which cemented his position for a future title shot in the light heavyweight division.
Pereira has already fought three times in 2024, but is known for staying very active in the UFC.
The Brazilian No.2 ranked pound-for-pound fighter knocked out Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 in April, before securing victories over Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr.
‘Poatan’ transformed Rountree Jr into a bloody mess during their October UFC 307 main event bout in Salt Lake City, Utah, securing victory in the third round.
He broke Ronda Rousey’s record for the shortest period between three consecutive title defences, achieving the feat in 175 days.
Pereira has previously traded victories with Israel Adesanya and also defended his title against Prochazka in the pair’s first bout, which took place in November 2023.
Rakhmonov, who was meant to contend for the welterweight belt in December, will be feeling utterly disappointed at Thursday’s news.
He made his UFC debut in October 2020 and the fight would’ve marked his first opportunity to claim UFC gold.
‘Nomad’ may now fight for interim status should Muhammad be out for an extended period of time.
Edwards and Kamaru Usman are ranked higher than him in the welterweight division, but it is unlikely either fighter would accept a bout on such short notice if called upon.
26-year-old Garry from Ireland is arguably the most likely opponent to step in for the injured Muhammad following his response.
The UFC returns to Canada this weekend as Brandon Moreno challenges Amir Albazi in the flyweight division for the main event of UFC Fight Night 246.
Rose Namajunas faces Erin Blanchfield in a women’s flyweight bout, while MMA veteran Derrick Lewis takes on Brazil’s Jhonata Diniz at heavyweight.
