American mixed martial artist Belal Muhammad will not be able to defend his welterweight title due to injury, Afrosport reports.
The 36-year-old was initially scheduled to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 on December 7, but he has confirmed that he will be out of action for at least six weeks after suffering a bone infection in his foot.
Muhammad, who was set for his first title defence since he defeated Britain’s Leon Edwards by unanimous decision in Manchester in July, will miss the UFC 310 event slated for Las Vegas.
The American made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote: “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.
“Allah’s plan is the best plan. I’m sorry to everyone that were coming to see me, I’ll be back soon.”
Caught a bone infection in my foot .. had to put a picc line in my arm for iv antibiotics the next 6 weeks with no physical activity … Allahs plan is the best plan I’m sorry to everyone that were coming to see me Ill be back soon inshAllah pic.twitter.com/xbXj2B8Szy
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) October 31, 2024
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) have not confirmed Muhammad’s withdrawal, but it provides room for a new main event and is currently unclear if Rakhmonov will remain on the card.
Rakhmonov, 30, is currently unbeaten having won all 18 fights of his career and was set to challenge for a UFC title for the first time.
Meanwhile, the co-main event will see Brazilian Alexandre Pantoja defend his flyweight title against Japan’s Kai Asakura.
