UFC 310: 4 Potential Replacements For Injured Champion

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 21: Kamaru Usman of Nigeria reacts after the conclusion of ... [+] a middleweight fight against Khamzat Chimaev of the United Arab Emirates during the UFC 294 event at Etihad Arena on October 21, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Rumors of an injury to UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad began circulating on Thursday morning.

Muhammad confirmed the news via social media, sharing a gnarly injured foot with an infection of one of his toes.

“Caught a bone infection in my foot,” Muhammad wrote in the caption of his Instagram. “Had to put a picc line in my arm for iv antibiotics the next 6 weeks with no physical activity … Allahs plan is the best plan I’m sorry to everyone that were coming to see me Ill be back soon inshAllah.”

Muhammad is out of his planned title defense against Shavkhat Rakhmonov, and the promotion needs a replacement to save the fight that was initially intended to be the main event of UFC 310 in Las Vegas.

Alexandre Pantoja’s defense of his UFC men’s flyweight championship against Kai Asakura could be the new main event.

However, the UFC could move to make Rakhmonov’s fight against a new opponent an interim title match. There are rumors the UFC has reached out to Alex Pereira about potentially defending his UFC light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev on short notice.

If the UFC moves to simply replace Muhammad, a few potential opponents could logically slot in as Muhammad’s replacement.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 21: (R-L) Kamaru Usman of Nigeria punches Khamzat Chimaev ... [+] of the United Arab Emirates in a middleweight fight during the UFC 294 event at Etihad Arena on October 21, 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Arguably the greatest welterweight champion of all time, Usman has been inactive since October 2023, when he stepped up as a late replacement, moved up to middleweight, and lost a majority decision to Khamzat Chimaev.

Based on what Chimaev did against Robert Whittaker in UFC 308, Usman’s performance in that fight looks much more impressive.

He has lost three straight fights, including back-to-back matchups against Leon Edwards. Usman is 37, so it could be soon or never if he plans to return to the title picture. However, Usman could elect to campaign at middleweight, where he would have a more manageable weight cut for the rest of his career.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: Jack Della Maddalena of Australia reacts after his TKO victory against ... [+] Gilbert Burns of Brazil in a welterweight fight during the UFC 299 event at Kaseya Center on March 09, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

The rugged 28-year-old Australian hadn’t fought since March when he finished Gilbert Burns. JDM is undefeated in eight UFC fights, including his victory in the Dana White Contender Series in 2021, which earned him a contract with the promotion.

Overall, JDM is on a 17-fight win streak, with his only two professional losses coming in the two fights he had to begin his MMA career.

Viewed as a fighter with strong striking skills and limited weapons on the ground, he might be an easier fight for Rahkmonov, who can beat opponents in various ways in the Octagon.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Leon Edwards of Jamaica warms up prior to his fight during the UFC ... [+] 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

The former champion hasn’t fought since Muhammad upset him in July.

The loss snapped a 13-fight unbeaten streak. In Edwards’ career, his only losses came to Muhammad, Usman, and a split-decision defeat to Claudio Silva in November 2014.

Edwards is still one of the best fighters in the world, and at 33, he’s not over the hill. If he’s ready, he’d be an excellent fit to slide into the spot for an interim title fight with Rahkmonov.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: Ian Machado Garry of Ireland poses for a portrait after his victory ... [+] during the UFC 303 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Todd Lussier/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Garry might be a bit of an outside shot because he is ranked No. 7, but he has some factors in his favor that could trump everyone else on the list. He’s undefeated. Everyone else in contention has at least two losses in their career, although JDM is undefeated in the UFC.

Garry is 26, making him the youngest potential replacement. Lastly, from a draw standpoint, the polarizing Irishman is best suited to do his part to promote the fight.

With the champion falling out, Garry’s mic work and social media banter could be what the UFC needs to push a restructured main event.

Stay tuned for more information.