Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) welterweight titleholder, Belal Muhammad, has withdrawn from his upcoming UFC 310 pay-per-view (PPV) headliner against Shavkat Rakhmonov, forcing matchmakers to scramble for a new main event on Sat., Dec. 7, 2024 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
MMAmania.com confirmed with sources following multiple reports on social media.
Rakhmonov is expected to remain on the sidelines until Muhammad returns, leaving the door open for a marquee matchup to fill the five-round void. A source told MMAmania.com that reigning light heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira, has been approached to fight Magomed Ankalaev on short notice.
That would mark four title defenses for “Poatan” within the last eight months.
“Caught a bone infection in my foot,” Muhammad wrote on Instagram. “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.”
The promotion has yet to make an announcement regarding the future of UFC 310. In addition, the ultra-busy Pereira was originally planning to remain out of action until early 2025 after a difficult fight camp leading up to his most recent title defense, a fourth-round knockout victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. in Salt Lake City.
Expect more information on this still-developing story in the coming days.