UFC 310 fight card: Welterweight champion Belal Muhammad forced to withdraw from title defense due to infection

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UFC 310 needs a new main event. UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad has announced his withdrawal from the Dec. 7 pay-per-view due to a bone infection, leaving title challenger Shavkat Rakhmonov without an opponent.

“I got a bone infection in my foot,” Muhammad wrote in an Instagram post Thursday. “I had to put a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in my arm for IV antibiotics over the next six weeks, with no physical activity.

“Allah’s plan is the best. I’m sorry to everyone who came to see me. I will be back soon. Inshallah.”

The UFC has not announced a new main event or replacement opponent for Rakhmonov. The promotion includes a UFC flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and UFC newcomer Kai Asakura – Rizin’s two-time champion – set as the co-main event. If necessary, the UFC could elevate Pantoja vs. Asakura to marquee status. UFC 310 takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Muhammad vs. Rakhmonov dominated a UFC PPV aimed more at hardcore fans than casual viewers. Muhammad was preparing for his first title defense after dethroning Leon Edwards in July. Rakhmonov is an undefeated contender with a 100% finishing rate in 18 professional fights. Rakhmonov has long been called a future champion. Other card highlights include Movsar Evloev vs. Aljamain Sterling, Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov and Vicente Luque vs. Nate Diaz.

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