Newly crowned welterweight champion Belal Muhammad will make his first title defense against undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov in the main event of UFC 310. The event is set for December 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. In the co-main event, flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja will defend his title against former RIZIN champion Kai Asakura.
Muhammad, who holds a record of 24-3, captured the welterweight title by defeating Leon Edwards via unanimous decision at UFC 304 in July. His initial challenge as champion will be against Rakhmonov, who boasts a perfect finishing rate.
Rakhmonov, 29, is currently ranked No. 3 in the UFC welterweight division and has an unblemished record of 18-0, with all victories coming by knockout or submission. He last fought in December 2023, where he submitted Stephen Thompson.
UFC CEO Dana White announced the main event on social media, alongside the co-main event featuring Alexandre Pantoja. The 34-year-old Pantoja will be looking to defend his title for the third time against 30-year-old Asakura, who will be making his UFC debut. Pantoja (28-5) is on a six-fight winning streak and recently retained his title by defeating Steve Erceg at UFC 301 in May.
Conor McGregor's Return in February?
Conor McGregor has hinted that he plans to return to the Octagon on February 1 in Saudi Arabia, potentially facing No. 5 ranked lightweight Dan Hooker. However, the UFC has yet to confirm this matchup.
Brandon Royval Defeats Tatsuro Taira
In a thrilling main event at UFC Vegas 98, top-ranked flyweights Brandon Royval and Tatsuro Taira delivered a Fight of the Year candidate. After five hard-fought rounds, Royval emerged victorious with a split decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48).
Results Summary
Flyweight: Brandon Royval def. Tatsuro Taira via split decision (48-47, 48-47, 47-48)
Middleweight: JunYong Park def. Brad Tavares via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Welterweight: Chidi Njokuani def. Jared Gooden via unanimous decision (30-27)
Lightweight: Grant Dawson def. Rafa Garcia via TKO, Round 2, 1:42
Welterweight: Daniel Rodriguez def. Alex Morono via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Flyweight: Ramazonbek Temirov def. CJ Vergara via TKO, Round 1, 2:50
Featherweight: Pat Sabatini def. Jonathan Pearce via submission, Round 1, 4:06
Welterweight: Themba Gorimbo def. Niko Price via unanimous decision (30-27)
Heavyweight: Junior Tafa def. Sean Sharaf via TKO, Round 2, 2:15
Women’s Strawweight: Julia Polastri def. Cory McKenna via split decision (29-28, 30-27, 28-29)
Bantamweight: Cody Haddon def. Dan Argueta via unanimous decision (30-27)
Flyweight: Clayton Carpenter def. Lucas Rocha via submission, Round 2, 2:12
