Islam Makhachev has finally explained why he declined a January title defense against Carlos Prates. The UFC welterweight champion believes the Brazilian should prove himself against undefeated contender Michael Morales first. The Islam Makhachev Carlos Prates Fight was previously targeted for UFC 336 in Toronto on January 30, 2027. However, the promotion has now booked Prates and Morales for an interim championship instead.
Islam Makhachev Carlos Prates Fight Rejected Over Title Challenger Concerns
Islam Makhachev (29-1) confirmed that the UFC offered him a championship defense against Carlos Prates for January. However, the Russian questioned whether the Brazilian deserved an immediate opportunity ahead of other welterweight contenders. He believes Prates should defeat Michael Morales before challenging for the undisputed championship.
Makhachev explained his decision during an interview with the Russian outlet Pound 4 Padel on October 25. He pointed toward Prates’ previous defeat against Ian Machado Garry as an important factor. The champion defeated Garry himself at UFC 330 in August, making the proposed matchup less appealing.
“They offered me a fight with Prates, who recently lost to [Ian Machado Garry], someone I beat,” Makhachev explained.
The 35-year-old also questioned what would happen if he defeated Prates in January. Morales would remain undefeated and could immediately demand the next championship opportunity. Makhachev believes arranging a fight between the contenders provides a clearer solution.
His decision follows weeks of speculation about the UFC’s January plans. Earlier reports suggested negotiations were underway, but no agreement had been finalized. The uncertainty surrounding the Islam Makhachev UFC 336 return has now ended with a different championship matchup.
Why Makhachev Wants Carlos Prates to Fight Michael Morales First
Makhachev believes a fight between Prates and Morales will establish the division’s strongest available title challenger. Both contenders have recorded significant victories against established UFC welterweights. However, their recent achievements present different arguments for receiving the next championship opportunity.
Carlos Prates (24-7) has recovered from his April 2025 defeat against Ian Machado Garry with three consecutive knockout victories. The Brazilian stopped Geoff Neal, former champion Leon Edwards, and former champion Jack Della Maddalena. Those performances strengthened his position among the division’s leading challengers.
Michael Morales (19-0) brings an undefeated professional record into the championship discussion. The Ecuadorian has also secured impressive stoppage victories against experienced opponents, including Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady. His recent performances have increased expectations surrounding his future in the division.
Makhachev believes both fighters should compete rather than remain inactive while waiting for championship opportunities. He has previously questioned Morales’ decision to wait for another major fight. His latest comments continue that position while acknowledging the achievements of both contenders.
Makhachev Agrees to Face the Winner
The champion has already identified his preferred opponent for his next championship defense. Rather than selecting Prates or Morales individually, he wants the two contenders to settle their rivalry inside the Octagon. Their winner would then become his next opponent.
Makhachev believes this approach would remove uncertainty surrounding the welterweight championship picture. It would also give both challengers an opportunity to prove their credentials against high-level opposition. However, the UFC has not confirmed a date for the eventual title unification fight.
Dana White Criticizes Islam Makhachev for Delaying January Return
UFC CEO Dana White expressed frustration with Makhachev’s decision during the UFC 333 post-fight press conference on October 24. White confirmed that the promotion originally planned to feature the welterweight champion in January. However, Makhachev informed officials that he preferred returning after Ramadan.
White argued that the UFC could not keep the welterweight division waiting indefinitely. He also criticized the champion’s limited activity, noting that Makhachev often competes only once annually. His comments explained why the organization decided to introduce an interim championship.
The promotion initially expected Makhachev to defend his title at UFC 336. However, the champion’s change in availability forced officials to reconsider their plans. White believes allowing Prates and Morales to compete keeps the division moving forward.
Makhachev’s latest explanation adds another perspective to the disagreement. While White emphasized the scheduling issue, the champion focused on the selection of his next challenger. Both factors now form part of the discussion surrounding his January absence.
Carlos Prates vs Michael Morales Official for UFC 336 Interim Title
Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will compete for the interim UFC welterweight championship at UFC 336. The event takes place January 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. Their matchup will determine who earns the interim belt and the opportunity to face Makhachev.
Prates enters the fight with considerable knockout power and growing confidence against elite competition. His recent victories against former champions have helped establish him as a dangerous contender. However, Morales presents another demanding challenge because of his undefeated record and finishing ability.
Morales has developed his reputation through powerful striking, speed, and aggressive combinations. His ability to finish experienced opponents makes him a serious threat in the division. However, Prates brings greater professional experience and dangerous counterstriking.
The Carlos Prates Islam Makhachev callout previously highlighted the Brazilian’s confidence against the champion’s wrestling. He must now focus on defeating Morales before pursuing that matchup. Their January fight offers both contenders a clear route toward undisputed gold.
Carlos Prates Responds Angrily to Makhachev’s Decision
Prates has expressed frustration after learning that Makhachev declined their proposed January championship fight. The Brazilian believes he has already earned his opportunity through recent victories. He also questioned why the champion needs additional time before returning.
Prates criticized Makhachev’s preparation timeline and suggested three months should provide enough time for a training camp. He pointed toward the champion’s disciplined lifestyle while questioning his decision to delay the matchup. His comments reflected disappointment after weeks of speculation about a potential title opportunity.
The Brazilian also expressed confidence about defeating Morales in January. He believes another knockout would strengthen his claim to face Makhachev. However, the interim title fight presents a difficult challenge against an undefeated opponent.
The disagreement has increased attention surrounding the welterweight championship picture. Prates wants an immediate opportunity against the undisputed champion, while Makhachev prefers facing the winner of another contest. The UFC has now established a path through the interim championship.
When Will Islam Makhachev Return to the UFC?
Makhachev last competed on August 15, 2026, when he defeated Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision at UFC 330. The victory marked another successful defense of his welterweight championship. However, his next appearance now appears unlikely before spring 2027.
Ramadan begins in early February and continues into early March 2027. Makhachev traditionally avoids scheduling fights during the religious observance, making a January return less attractive. Dana White confirmed that the champion requested additional time beyond that period.
The UFC has discussed a possible return around May, although no official date has been announced. Depending on negotiations and scheduling, Makhachev could remain inactive until summer. His next opponent will also depend on the outcome of Prates against Morales.
The delay means the welterweight division will have an interim champion before Makhachev returns. The eventual unification bout could become one of the promotion’s biggest championship matchups in 2027. However, its timing remains uncertain until the UFC confirms the arrangements.
What Does the Interim Title Mean for the Welterweight Division?
The interim championship creates a clear opportunity for Prates and Morales while Makhachev remains unavailable. Both contenders can compete for a belt without waiting for the undisputed champion’s return. The winner would then have a strong claim to a title unification fight.
However, introducing another championship also creates questions about the division’s future. Makhachev remains the undisputed champion, meaning the UFC will eventually need to arrange a unification contest. Another extended delay could complicate those plans.
For now, the interim matchup provides an important competitive opportunity. Prates can build on his recent knockout victories, while Morales can extend his undefeated record. Their January contest should help establish the next major challenger for Makhachev’s championship.
Final Thoughts
Islam Makhachev has explained why he rejected a January championship fight against Carlos Prates. The Russian believes Prates should defeat Michael Morales before receiving an opportunity for undisputed gold. His decision has prompted the UFC to introduce an interim welterweight championship at UFC 336.
Dana White has criticized the champion’s limited activity and his decision to delay another title defense. Meanwhile, Prates believes he has already done enough to deserve an immediate championship opportunity. Their disagreement has created another talking point ahead of the January event.
Prates and Morales now have an opportunity to settle the title challenger debate inside the Octagon. Makhachev has stated that he wants to face the winner, although his return date remains uncertain. The interim championship contest will play an important role in determining the welterweight division’s next major matchup.
FAQs About Islam Makhachev Carlos Prates Fight
1. Why did Islam Makhachev turn down Carlos Prates?
Makhachev believes Carlos Prates should defeat Michael Morales before receiving a championship opportunity. He also questioned Prates’ previous defeat against Ian Machado Garry, whom Makhachev defeated in August 2026.
2. Is Islam Makhachev fighting at UFC 336?
No. Makhachev will not compete at UFC 336 on January 30, 2027. The UFC has instead booked Carlos Prates against Michael Morales for the interim welterweight championship.
3. Who will Carlos Prates fight at UFC 336?
Carlos Prates will face undefeated welterweight Michael Morales for the interim UFC championship. Their matchup takes place January 30, 2027, in Toronto.
4. When will Islam Makhachev fight again?
Makhachev plans to return after Ramadan in 2027. The UFC has discussed a possible May return, but no official date or opponent has been confirmed.
5. Will Islam Makhachev fight the winner of Prates vs Morales?
Makhachev has publicly stated that he wants to face the winner of their interim championship contest. However, the UFC has not officially announced the title unification fight.
