Belal Muhammad will not compete at UFC 310 this weekend.

THE CFU The welterweight champion was set to defend his title for the first time against Shavkat Rakhmonov in Las Vegas Saturday evening.

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But due to his injury, UFC 310 is now headlined by Alexandre Pantoja, who puts his flyweight belt on the line against beginner Kai Asakura.

Mohammed won the 170-pound strap by defeating Birmingham’s Leon Edwards after five rounds at UFC 304 Manchester in July.

“Remember The Name” debuted with Dana White’s promotion eight years ago, after a stint with Titan Fighting, and has lost just three of his 19 fights in the UFC.

The 36-year-old took to Instagram in October to reveal the nasty foot infection that led to his removal from the upcoming Vegas card.

“I caught a bone infection in my foot,” Muhammad said. “I had to put a PICC line in my arm for IV antibiotics over the next six weeks, with no physical activity.”

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

Rakhmonov reacted to Muhammad’s injury via X at the time.

He said: “I wish Belal a speedy recovery. We’ll see you again when you’re back 100%. For now, I’m ready to face any interim title contender at UFC 310.”

Conor McGregor Also replied to the injury on the same platform while mocking the current welterweight champion.

#7 Ranked Welterweight Ian Garry reacted on the news as well with an earlier clip of him saying he would “love to get his hands on Rakhmonov.”

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And his wishes have been granted, as he now faces Rakhmonov in the co-main event of UFC 310 to determine who is next in line for a welterweight title shot.

Muhammad’s injury initially posed a real problem for UFC matchmakers, but Garry was able to step in on short notice.

The Irishman was due to face Joaquin Buckley in a match UFC Fight Night card for December 14but the latter now faces the former title contender Colby Covington.

Rakhmonov made his UFC debut in October 2020 and is undefeated in his 18 professional bouts. MMA fights, with a 100% UFC finishing record.

“Nomad” submitted all but one of his opponents via rear naked or guillotine choke.

In his last appearance in the octagon, Rakhmonov made Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson’s job easier by handing the American his first ever submission defeat during his illustrious 12-year UFC career.

Gary, however, has a similar track record as a former Caged Warriors champion, and also remained undefeated in his 15 professional fights.

He followed in McGregor’s footsteps when he was crowned Cage Warriors welterweight champion in 2021 and wants to replicate another of The Notorious’ feats.

“I’m a kid who dreamed of being here, who wanted to see my face on billboards, who wanted to put on shows against the scariest people in the world,” Garry said. Ariel Helwani.

“I already told you what my ideal scenario is: I fight and I beat Shavkat, I win the world title, I move up to middleweight, I fight Khamzat (Chimaez), I win that belt too!

“I’m not afraid of any man. I know how talented I am. I know the gifts God has given me.”

The winner of Rakhmonov vs. Garry is destined to challenge Muhammad for a welterweight title fight, depending on how long the champion is out.

They could, however, challenge for interim status after UFC 310 against the likes of Edwards and Kamaru Usmanwho top the UFC welterweight rankings.

Edward revealed last month that he will headline the recently announced UFC London card, which takes place on March 22, 2025.

He has ambitions to become a two-time UFC champion by the end of 2025 and will most likely meet Rakhmonov or Garry en route to that feat.