Belal Muhammad drops out of UFC 310 main event against Shavkat Rakhmonov, Rakhmonov reacts

Belal Muhammad's first title defense will have to wait.

The UFC welterweight champion announced Thursday that he is withdrawing from his UFC 310 main event bout with challenger Shavkat Rakhmonov due to a bone infection in his foot. Al Zullino first reported Mohammed's withdrawal on Twitter.

Muhammad shared the news in a social media post.

“I got a bone infection in my foot,” Muhammad wrote. “I had to have a PICC catheter (peripherally inserted central catheter) placed in my arm for the next six weeks to receive IV antibiotics without doing any physical activity.

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

The UFC is currently looking for a replacement for Rakhmonov, but a person with knowledge of the situation told MMA Fighting it is unknown whether the undefeated fighter will take part in the Dec. 7 fight card at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas or not or whether the matchup will be postponed to a later time and place.

Muhammad captured the title with a unanimous decision win over Leon Edwards at UFC 304 in July. “Remember the Name” is undefeated in his last 11 fights and has not tasted defeat in nearly six years.

Rakhmonov earned his first shot at a UFC championship when he submitted Stephen Thompson in the second round at UFC 296 last December. “Nomad” has defeated all 18 opponents he has faced as a professional.

Following the news, Rakhmonov wished Muhammad well and hinted that he is ready to fight anyone at UFC 310 for an interim welterweight title.