Islam Makhachev wants to return at UFC 336 in January, but his team has warned fans against expecting an announcement soon. The welterweight champion has been linked with a potential title defense against Carlos Prates in Toronto. However, manager Ali Abdelaziz says negotiations remain far from a completed agreement. The Islam Makhachev UFC 336 Return remains uncertain, with neither his opponent nor his next fight date officially confirmed.
Islam Makhachev UFC 336 Return Remains Uncertain Despite January Plans
Islam Makhachev (29-1) has expressed interest in returning to the Octagon at UFC 336 on January 30, 2027. The event will take place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. However, his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has made it clear that discussions have not produced a finalized agreement.
Abdelaziz addressed the situation during an interview with Russian MMA outlet Ushatayka. He acknowledged ongoing discussions about Makhachev’s next fight but cautioned against treating circulating reports as confirmed news. The manager explained that negotiations still need considerable progress before anyone can announce an opponent or date.
The comments followed growing speculation about Makhachev defending his welterweight championship against Carlos Prates. Reports have connected the two fighters to the Toronto event, although the UFC has not announced their matchup. Abdelaziz’s latest remarks suggest several important details remain unresolved.
For now, Makhachev’s preferred return date remains a possibility rather than an official booking. His team continues exploring the next championship defense, but fans still have no confirmed opponent. The UFC will need to finalize those arrangements before including the Russian champion on the January card.
Ali Abdelaziz Responds to Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates Rumors
Abdelaziz specifically addressed the speculation linking Makhachev with Brazilian knockout artist Carlos Prates. The matchup has attracted considerable attention because both fighters occupy prominent positions in the welterweight division. However, the manager emphasized that public discussions have moved ahead of actual negotiations.
Speaking with Ushatayka, Abdelaziz described the proposed matchup as far from becoming official. He acknowledged that negotiations were ongoing but rejected suggestions that the fight was close to confirmation. His comments left open the possibility of an agreement without suggesting that one was imminent.
The distinction matters because reports have already connected Makhachev and Prates to a specific event. January 30 would provide a high-profile setting for another welterweight championship defense. However, assigning a date before both sides finalize terms could create unrealistic expectations.
Abdelaziz did not provide a confirmed alternative opponent or another potential return date. He also did not announce that negotiations with Prates had ended. His message was that discussions continue, but the reported fight remains unconfirmed.
Why Carlos Prates Has Emerged as a Potential Title Challenger
Carlos Prates (24-7) has established himself as one of the UFC welterweight division’s most dangerous knockout artists. The Brazilian currently holds the No. 2 position in the rankings. His recent victories against former champions have strengthened his argument for a championship opportunity.
Prates defeated Leon Edwards by second-round knockout at UFC 322 in November 2025. He followed that performance with a third-round stoppage against former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena in May 2026. Those results increased his profile and placed him among the division’s leading challengers.
The 33-year-old has recorded 19 knockout victories during his professional MMA career. His striking emphasizes powerful counters, measured pressure, and accurate combinations. Those qualities would create an interesting challenge against a champion known for his wrestling and positional control.
However, Prates has yet to receive an official championship booking against Makhachev. His position in the rankings makes him a credible opponent, but negotiations must still produce an agreement. Until then, their potential meeting remains a matchup under discussion rather than a scheduled fight.
How Prates’ Striking Could Challenge Makhachev
Prates presents a dangerous striking threat because he rarely needs extended exchanges to hurt an opponent. His previous UFC knockouts demonstrate his ability to capitalize on defensive mistakes. Against Makhachev, he would likely need to maintain enough distance to prevent repeated takedown attempts.
Makhachev, meanwhile, combines effective striking with high-level wrestling and submission skills. His ability to control opponents on the ground has played an important role throughout his championship career. He could test Prates in areas where the Brazilian has faced fewer elite-level challenges.
Their contrasting strengths help explain the interest surrounding the proposed fight. However, tactical discussions remain hypothetical until the UFC officially announces the matchup. Neither fighter can begin preparing for a confirmed opponent while the negotiations remain unresolved.
Islam Makhachev Coming Off Historic UFC 330 Victory
Makhachev last competed at UFC 330 on August 15, 2026, when he defended his welterweight championship against Ian Machado Garry. The Russian earned a unanimous decision after five competitive rounds in Philadelphia. Judges scored the contest 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in his favor.
Ian Machado Garry (17-2) challenged the champion with his movement, striking, and defensive adjustments. However, Makhachev did enough throughout the contest to retain his championship. The victory also extended his winning streak to 17 UFC fights, setting a new promotional record.
Makhachev previously captured the welterweight championship by defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025. That victory made him a two-division UFC champion after his successful lightweight title reign. He subsequently defended the welterweight belt against Garry, strengthening his standing among the sport’s leading fighters.
Another title defense would provide Makhachev with an opportunity to extend his remarkable winning streak. However, his management team must first settle the opponent and event arrangements. His latest championship success does not automatically guarantee a January return.
UFC 336 Toronto Could Feature Makhachev, but Nothing Is Official
UFC 336 is scheduled for January 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario. The event marks the promotion’s return to the city after its previous appearance at UFC 297 in January 2024. Canadian fans will welcome another numbered card following the UFC’s recent successful visit to Edmonton.
Makhachev’s involvement would add a major championship attraction to the event. The Russian holds one of the promotion’s most recognizable titles and has developed an international following. His potential matchup with Prates could also attract considerable attention from fans interested in elite wrestling versus knockout striking.
However, the UFC has not officially confirmed Makhachev for the Toronto card. The promotion also has not announced that Prates will challenge him at the event. Abdelaziz’s latest comments reinforce the need to separate potential matchmaking plans from completed agreements.
Fans following January’s event can check SportsgoTec’s UFC news coverage for further developments. The final card will depend on official announcements as the event approaches.
What Could Delay Makhachev’s Next UFC Title Defense?
Several factors could influence the timing of Makhachev’s next appearance, although his manager has not identified a specific obstacle. Championship negotiations involve agreeing on an opponent, event date, and other contractual arrangements. Any unresolved element can delay the announcement of a fight.
The UFC must also consider its broader welterweight championship plans. Multiple contenders have expressed interest in challenging Makhachev, creating different potential matchmaking options. Prates remains among the strongest candidates because of his recent victories and divisional ranking.
Timing presents another important consideration for a champion preparing for a five-round title fight. Makhachev last competed in August, making a January appearance roughly five months after his previous defense. That interval could accommodate another training camp, but it does not establish that his return is agreed upon.
Abdelaziz has not publicly confirmed whether contractual discussions, opponent selection, or scheduling issues explain the uncertainty. Assigning the delay to one of those factors would therefore be speculative. The next meaningful development will come when the UFC or Makhachev’s management confirms a completed agreement.
Final Thoughts
Islam Makhachev’s desired January return has attracted attention, but his manager has made the current situation clear. Negotiations remain ongoing, and UFC 336 is not yet a confirmed destination for the welterweight champion. The proposed Carlos Prates matchup also lacks an official announcement.
Prates has built a strong case for a championship opportunity through impressive victories over established welterweights. However, his recent success does not guarantee that he will become Makhachev’s next opponent. Other matchmaking possibilities remain open until the UFC finalizes its plans.
Makhachev remains one of the promotion’s leading champions after successfully defending his title against Ian Machado Garry. His next appearance could provide another important test of his championship reign. For now, fans will need an official announcement before treating the Toronto matchup as confirmed.
FAQs About Islam Makhachev UFC 336 Return
1. Is Islam Makhachev fighting at UFC 336?
Islam Makhachev has expressed interest in competing at UFC 336 on January 30, 2027. However, his manager says negotiations remain far from finalized, and the UFC has not confirmed his participation.
2. Who could Islam Makhachev fight next?
Carlos Prates has emerged as a potential opponent for Makhachev’s next welterweight championship defense. However, the UFC has not officially announced their matchup or ruled out other challengers.
3. What did Ali Abdelaziz say about Makhachev’s January return?
Ali Abdelaziz said negotiations were ongoing but remained far from a completed agreement. He cautioned against treating reports about the proposed date and opponent as official confirmation.
4. When and where is UFC 336 taking place?
UFC 336 is scheduled for January 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The promotion has not confirmed Makhachev for the event.
5. What is Islam Makhachev’s current MMA record?
Islam Makhachev holds a 29-1 professional MMA record as of October 21, 2026. His latest victory came against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August.
