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Belal Muhammad, the current UFC welterweight champion, has encountered a significant setback as he prepares for his first title defense. The 36-year-old fighter announced on Tuesday that he will be unable to compete in the main event of UFC 310 due to a severe bone infection affecting his foot.
In a candid update shared with his followers, Muhammad revealed the distressing nature of his injury, displaying an alarming image of his swollen toe, which evidently did not resemble a typical human appendage. His condition necessitated surgery, indicating the seriousness of the infection that resulted in urgent medical intervention.
Reflecting on his current circumstances, Muhammad disclosed that he has undergone the placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line in his arm for intravenous (IV) antibiotics. He faces a strict six-week regimen of rest and limited physical activity, which is understandably frustrating for an athlete preparing for the rigors of combat sports. “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,” he explained, emphasizing the implications for his training and fight preparation.
In light of the unfortunate news, Muhammad expressed his remorse towards fans who anticipated attending UFC 310 to support him in Las Vegas. He reassured them that he remains committed to returning to the octagon at the earliest possible moment, expressing gratitude for their support and understanding.
Belal Muhammad ascended to the title in July, having achieved a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over reigning champion Leon Edwards in his home territory of England. This triumph came after years of advocating for a shot at the championship, making it all the more disappointing for him to postpone his first title defense against the undefeated challenger, Shavkat Rakhmonov, who was slated to face Muhammad in a highly anticipated matchup.
The UFC now faces the challenge of adjusting its events in light of Muhammad’s medical predicament, needing to find a suitable replacement fight for the main card of its final pay-per-view event of the year.
As fans rally around the champion during his recovery, the sports community wishes him a speedy and successful return to health. They eagerly await his eventual comeback, hopeful that he will reclaim his place in the octagon and continue his journey as a formidable force in the welterweight division.