Earlier this month, welterweight champion Belal Muhammad was forced to withdraw from his title defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 due to a “bone infection” affecting one of his toes. As soon as Muhammad pulled out, speculation began to swirl about who would replace him. Fans were left wondering who would face the Kazakh and whether the fight would turn into an interim title bout, sparking widespread uncertainty and questions.

Recently, the UFC has seemingly put an end to the speculation. According to a report by Red Corner MMA on Instagram, UFC President Dana White and the matchmakers have chosen former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman to face Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310. The post, with the caption, “BREAKING: According to our sources, the UFC is working on Shavkat Rakhmonov vs Kamaru Usman for #UFC310,” has reignited excitement among fight fans.

Usman, widely regarded as one of the most accomplished welterweights in UFC history, has been on hiatus since his remarkable 15-fight win streak came to an end. His recent setbacks—a loss to Leon Edwards at UFC 286 followed by a grueling three-round fight with Khamzat Chimaev—have kept him out of the octagon until now. Fans are eager to see if ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ can reclaim his dominance in this high-stakes return bout. However, whether it will be an interim title fight is still up to the UFC, though Belal Muhammad has already expressed reluctance to face an “old” Kamaru Usman.

Why does Belal Muhammad want Shavkat Rakhmonov, not Kamaru Usman?

Belal Muhammad was initially resistant to facing Shavkat Rakhmonov and even mocked UFC president Dana White for considering him as an opponent for Bully B’s first title defense. Over time, Muhammad’s stance on facing Rakhmonov shifted, and he grew more interested in the matchup. When rumors surfaced about a potential fight between Rakhmonov and Kamaru Usman, speculation began around an interim title fight. However, Muhammad dismissed the need for an interim title, arguing, “Six weeks, not six months.”

A few weeks ago, Muhammad explained why he preferred to fight Rakhmonov over Usman. He emphasized the importance of Rakhmonov’s undefeated record and the “aura” surrounding him. Muhammad told Kevin Iole, “For me now, I’d rather have it be Shavkat because I think he has more aura. I think he has the undefeatedness to him. It’s like, there’s no excuse after beating him. If I go out there and beat Usman, Usman’s on a three-fight losing streak, he’s old, he’s on his way out. I think he needs another win to get into the mix, to show that he’s still hungry, to show that he still has tread on the tires. But I think it will be Shavkat, more so, when you look at all the other guys.”

What do you think of Kamaru Usman stepping in for Belal Muhammad to face Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310? Does this matchup excite you? Sound off in the comments below!