UFC 310 Main Event in Jeopardy After Withdrawal

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad confirmed he is withdrawing from his title defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov due to a bone infection in his foot, leaving UFC 310 without a main event. The UFC is considering options, including possibly elevating Alexandre Pantoja's flyweight title defense or arranging an interim title fight for Rakhmonov. Concurrently, Diego Lopes, currently ranked third, is aiming for an interim featherweight title fight against former champion Alexander Volkanovski. This follows Ilia Topuria's knockout of Max Holloway at UFC 308 and his expressed desire to take time off, potentially delaying a rematch with Volkanovski. Lopes and Volkanovski both see the interim title fight as a logical next step, especially if Topuria's break extends. The UFC is reportedly interested in hosting an event in Spain, adding further complexity to the scheduling and title plans.