“No One Was Waiting”: UFC Fans Ridicule Belal Muhammad After Announcement That He’s Ready to Train Again Post-Injury

Belal Muhammad shared a positive update about his recovery from surgery on X, only to get attacked and mocked by fans on the platform. The newly crowned welterweight champion, who was initially set to defend his title at UFC 310 this weekend, had to withdraw due to an injury.   

We are officially cleared to start working out again!!!!

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) December 2, 2024

Fans seem not too keen on seeing Belal return to the octagon. One sarcasm-laced comment on the champion’s post read: “The announcement absolutely no one was waiting for.”

Another one was outright rude: “Not one mma fan noticed you were gone.”

Mocking Belal’s fighting style, a fan added, “Damn I fell to sleep instantly.” Another person just asked Belal to hang up his gloves, saying, “Retire already”.

Belal was set to take on the undefeated Shavkat Rakhmonov this weekend. But a pesky toe infection that required immediate surgery forced a change of plans. His doctors took the call after realising that the infection was aggressive and needed immediate intervention. The quick treatment has facilitated a faster recovery.

Meanwhile, in Belal’s absence, #1 contender Rakhmonov has taken over the role of the leader of the division. He had put the entire roster on notice while seeking an opponent.

Rakhmonov is coming for you

Rakhmonov is bringing his impeccable finishing record to UFC 310, where he faces Ian Machado Garry in a five-round clash. Originally set to fight for the title, Rakhmonov would now aim to solidify his claim as the division’s top contender. 

After wishing Belal a speedy recovery, Rakhmonov had called out everyone in the division — from former champion Kamaru Usman to veterans like Colby Covington. When they didn’t agree to the fight, he was more than happy to shame them publicly on social media.

I’m very disappointed in our division. Belal, Leon, Colby, Kamaru, Jack, Sean – you’ve all let fans down. The only one who backed up his words is Ian, and I respect that. But make no mistake, @iangarryMMA – I’m coming for your 0 and will fight for the belt after https://t.co/eE3Ps8aCoj

— Shavkat “Nomad” Rakhmonov (@Rakhmonov1994) November 16, 2024

With a perfect 18-0-0 record against his name, Rakhmonov is widely considered the Baba Yaga of the welterweight division. Five of his last six wins have come by submission. He had choked out his opponents.

The one other win came via a head kick, which acted as a statement of his striking prowess. He is taking on another undefeated fighter in Garry. However, Rakhmonov goes into the octagon as the favorite, a status that he is likely to carry even when taking on Belal in the future.