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In a shocking turn of events, UFC welterweight sensation Belal Muhammad has been forced to withdraw from his title defense against the number one challenger at UFC 310
In a shocking turn of events, UFC welterweight sensation Belal Muhammad has been forced to withdraw from his title defense against the number one challenger at UFC 310 due to a serious bone infection. Now 35, he had a top-ranked challenger booked but made the painful choice to step back from the octagon and work on recovery for now. News that has been considered a disappointment for the fans and the whole UFC community, who had been waiting for a high-stakes fight involving one of the best contenders in the division.
Reports have emerged that Muhammad has developed a serious bone infection and has required immediate medical attention, ruling him out of UFC 310. Osteomyelitis is a rare but life-threatening type of bone infection that could give rise to dangerous complications should treatment not be instituted early enough. Agonizing pain, fever, and swelling are possible symptoms. According to reports, the infection has so far impacted Muhammad’s ability to train, and he has been advised by doctors to take sufficient time off.
In a statement to social media, Muhammad seemed disappointed but emphasized a need to make sure of his health. “I never thought I’d ever have to pull out of a fight like this, especially for something so unexpected,” Muhammad wrote. “But I’ve got to listen to my body and my doctors so that I can come back stronger.”
Muhammad’s pullout tosses the UFC welterweight division into some temporary chaos, for he was set to compete and put a six-fight winning streak on the line in what many believed to be a title eliminator. With Muhammad out, the executives are forced to reassess their options, which include either rescheduling the fight or moving forward with another contender.
UFC President Dana White has thus far shown no sign of naming a replacement or an alternative pairing but has assured all that he and his team at the UFC are working at breakneck speed to make any changes. “We’re completely supportive of Belal’s decision to prioritize his health, and we hope for his speedy recovery,” said White. “We know the fans are disappointed, but we’re committed to delivering an exciting card at UFC 310.”
Muhammad had built a pretty good streak of 10 undefeated fights in the UFC and stayed in the constant top ranking of his division. He is known for his grit and relentless fighting style, having defeated some big names like Vicente Luque and Gilbert Burns, which has won the hearts of fans and positioned him as a solid title contender.
His performances of late have increased his stock in the UFC, and given that, this latest news setback is somewhat disheartening for those fans who hoped he would inch closer to contention. From this interruption, Muhammad remains optimistic about his future and has reassured all that he is determined to return as soon as his health permits.
Immediately after the announcement, fellow fighters and fans reached out in support of Muhammad. Many showed sympathy for him, telling him to take all the time he needed for his recovery. Fellow UFC welterweight Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson took to Twitter, stating, “Get well soon, champ! We’re all rooting for you to come back stronger.
Muhammad was always a committed and disciplined man, and his fans are really looking forward to watching him inside the cage once the rest period is over, with renewed energy and determination.
The real work now begins for the UFC-rebuilding the card for UFC 310, for which Muhammad’s title defense was its biggest selling point. It will still have the mix of rising talent and high-profile matchups in Las Vegas, but the absence of Muhammad is sure to be felt by fans who’d been looking forward to seeing one of the most dynamic fighters in the welterweight division in action.
Though the UFC did not announce any new fights, it is without question that fans wait in anticipation to hear whether or not there could be replacements or other chan
ges so that it may continue to promote a very exciting event.
This is a sad health issue that has taken away Muhammad from the fight for now, but he is determined to get back on his feet and continue the fight for the welterweight title. Such was Muhammad’s message to fans, promising to “come back with even more fire” while thanking them for standing by him through it all.
This might be another setback toward his ambitions for a title, but for a fighter who has been known for the greatest bout of resilience and mental toughness, it was just a challenge that needed to be overcome. The UFC, with the whole MMA community, awaits Muhammad’s return while sending him warm regards for a quick recovery against this unplanned health fight.
