"JDM vs Shavkat for the interim", "Gonna be Usman" - Fans react to reports of Belal Muhammad pulling out of UFC 310 fight

Belal Muhammad was set to face Shavkat Rakhmonov for the welterweight title in the main event of UFC 310 on Dec. 7. But a recent report by Australian MMA journalist Benny P states that the 170-pound champion has withdrawn from the matchup.

According to the report, the promotion's matchmakers are actively looking for a replacement fighter, which means the event could feature an interim title fight instead.

Muhammad surprised many fans after his dominant victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 304, and his acceptance of a bout with the formidable Rakhmonov was cheered by fans, with many feeling that the Kazakhstani fighter was being avoided.

Thus, the champion's reported withdrawal from UFC 310 has brought much frustration to fans, who began suggesting replacements for the bout.

@MMA_orbit took to X to repost the Australian journalist's report and wrote this:

"Belal Muhammad is OUT of his UFC 310 main event title fight with Shavkat Rakhmonov on Dec. 7. The UFC are actively looking for a replacement for their final PPV card of the year."

Catch the Belal Muhammad report below:

Fans reacted by suggesting that fellow top contender Jack Della Maddalena face Rakhmonov for an interim belt. Another fan speculated that former champion Kamaru Usman may replace Muhammad.

@CFB_Noticer wrote:

"JDM vs. Shavkat for the interim"

@SpecialNeedsMMA wrote this:

"Gonna be Usman"

See the fan reactions below:

Screenshot of fan reactions to Muhammad's reported withdrawal from UFC 310

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Jon Anik wants Belal Muhammad vs. Kamaru Usman

Jon Anik recently made a case for Kamaru Usman to fight Belal Muhammad for the welterweight title, an opinion not held by many given Shavkat Rakhmonov's position as the No.1 title contender.

With the UFC commentator aware of Rakhmonov's status, he suggested that a bout between Muhammad and Usman could take place in 2025, which implies that Anik believes the champion will retain his title against the Kazakhstani challenger.

He recently appeared on the Pound 4 Pound Podcast hosted by Usman and Henry Cejudo, where Anik said this:

"Despite what a lot of people think, Belal Muhammad isn’t calling the shots when it comes to a date. And I will say this, if any fighter with a couple of red stripes on his Wikipedia page of late deserves to fight for the belt, it is ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ [Kamaru Usman]."

Catch Anik's comments on Muhammad fighting Usman below (40:45):