Dana White has expressed frustration with Islam Makhachev’s limited activity as the UFC welterweight champion. The UFC CEO confirmed that Makhachev verbally agreed to face Carlos Prates in January before changing his decision. The Dana White Islam Makhachev disagreement has raised fresh questions about championship scheduling and fighter availability. White believes two fights annually would help prevent contenders from waiting too long for title opportunities.
Dana White Islam Makhachev Comments Highlight Champion’s Inactivity
UFC CEO Dana White wants welterweight champion Islam Makhachev (29-1) to compete more frequently. Speaking with reporters on November 4, 2026, White discussed the champion’s decision to skip UFC 336 in Toronto. He believes successful champions should ideally defend their titles at least twice annually.
White acknowledged that experienced champions have different priorities from younger fighters. However, he emphasized the difficulties created when titleholders compete only once a year. Several leading welterweights are currently waiting for opportunities to challenge for the championship.
“Being the champ, I don’t really expect you to fight three times a year, but twice would be nice,” White explained.
The UFC CEO also confirmed that Makhachev had initially accepted the proposed January matchup. However, the Russian subsequently decided against competing at the event. The promotion responded by arranging an interim welterweight championship contest.
White’s latest comments reflect his concerns about keeping divisions active while respecting established champions. He acknowledged Makhachev’s impressive achievements but questioned the consequences of lengthy breaks between fights. The disagreement has become particularly important following the announcement of UFC 336’s revised title plans.
Dana White Confirms Makhachev Verbally Agreed to Carlos Prates Fight
White revealed that Makhachev had verbally accepted a welterweight championship defense against Carlos Prates. The proposed contest was targeted for January 30, 2027, at UFC 336 in Toronto. However, the champion changed his decision before the promotion finalized the matchup.
“Yeah, it was verbally agreed to,” White confirmed while discussing the canceled booking.
Makhachev had previously expressed interest in returning before Ramadan in 2027. His comments initially suggested that another championship defense could take place early in the year. Prates subsequently emerged as a potential opponent following several impressive knockout victories.
However, negotiations did not produce a completed fight agreement. Makhachev later questioned whether Prates had established himself as the division’s strongest available challenger. He argued that undefeated contender Michael Morales also deserved consideration.
The champion’s explanation became central to the Islam Makhachev vs Carlos Prates fight cancellation. He believes Prates and Morales should face each other before either challenges for the undisputed championship. White has now provided additional details about how the original booking fell apart.
Why Did Islam Makhachev Reject the January Title Fight?
Makhachev questioned Prates’ position among the welterweight contenders despite the Brazilian’s recent success. Prates previously lost to Ian Machado Garry in April 2025 before rebuilding momentum through consecutive victories. Makhachev defeated Garry during his most recent championship defense.
The Russian believes a fight between Prates and Morales would establish a clearer leading challenger. Both competitors have achieved significant results against established opponents. However, their contrasting records create different arguments for receiving the next title opportunity.
Prates has earned attention through his knockout power and recent victories against experienced welterweights. Morales remains undefeated and has developed a reputation for dangerous striking. Their meeting could settle an important debate within the division.
Makhachev has also indicated that he intends to compete after Ramadan rather than during the January event. However, his next appearance has not received an official date. The eventual opponent will depend on the result of the interim championship contest.
Dana White Believes Inactivity Holds Up the Welterweight Division
White’s main concern involves the effect of lengthy championship absences on other contenders. When a champion remains unavailable, leading fighters may need to accept additional matchups or wait for an opportunity. That situation can complicate the promotion’s ranking and title plans.
The UFC CEO believes competing twice annually would create a more consistent championship schedule. He does not expect every titleholder to appear three times within a calendar year. However, he considers two appearances a reasonable target for an active champion.
Makhachev has competed only four times during the previous three years. His schedule included two appearances in 2025 and one appearance so far in 2026. Those limited outings have attracted greater attention since he became the UFC welterweight champion.
However, frequency alone does not fully reflect a champion’s achievements. Makhachev has faced elite opposition and competed in several demanding championship contests. White acknowledged that record while explaining why he wants greater activity moving forward.
Why Regular UFC Title Defenses Matter
Championship fights influence the entire structure of a UFC weight division. Leading contenders often plan their careers around the possibility of receiving a title opportunity. An extended absence can force those fighters to remain inactive or accept additional risks.
The situation becomes more complicated when several contenders have strong claims to challenge for the belt. A promotion must decide whether to wait for the champion or arrange an interim championship. Both options affect future matchmaking decisions.
In the welterweight division, the UFC has chosen to introduce an interim title while Makhachev remains unavailable. That decision allows two leading contenders to compete for championship recognition. However, it also creates another belt that must eventually be unified.
Dana White Suggests Money Could Influence Makhachev’s Fight Schedule
White also offered his interpretation of why Makhachev may prefer a less demanding competition schedule. He suggested that financial security can influence how often successful fighters choose to compete. However, he did not present evidence that money directly caused Makhachev’s latest decision.
“I think it’s money,” White said while discussing the situation.
The UFC CEO explained that younger fighters often compete frequently because they need opportunities to earn income. Established stars may have greater freedom to choose when they return. Their previous success can allow them to prioritize different personal and professional goals.
However, White also acknowledged Makhachev’s considerable achievements throughout his championship career. The Russian has defeated several elite opponents and captured titles in two weight divisions. His success gives him a different position from contenders still pursuing their first championship opportunity.
White’s explanation remains his personal assessment rather than a confirmed statement about Makhachev’s finances. The champion has publicly focused on identifying a deserving opponent and returning after Ramadan. Both perspectives help explain the continuing disagreement over his schedule.
Carlos Prates vs Michael Morales Set for UFC 336 Interim Championship
With Makhachev unavailable, the UFC has booked Carlos Prates against Michael Morales for the interim welterweight championship. Their matchup takes place January 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The winner is expected to receive an opportunity to unify the title against Makhachev.
Prates (24-7) enters the contest following three consecutive stoppage victories. His recent performances have strengthened his position among the leading welterweights. However, Morales represents another dangerous challenge because of his undefeated professional record.
Morales (19-0) has continued building momentum through victories against experienced UFC opposition. His striking, athleticism, and finishing ability have established him as a serious contender. The upcoming contest provides an opportunity to compete for his first UFC championship.
The interim matchup also addresses Makhachev’s concerns about identifying the strongest challenger. Instead of selecting one fighter immediately, the promotion will allow Prates and Morales to compete. Their result should establish a clearer direction for the eventual undisputed championship fight.
UFC 336 Interim Welterweight Title Fight Details
| Detail | Information |
| Event | UFC 336 |
| Date | January 30, 2027 |
| Venue | Scotiabank Arena |
| Location | Toronto, Canada |
| Matchup | Carlos Prates vs Michael Morales |
| Championship | Interim UFC welterweight title |
| Undisputed champion | Islam Makhachev |
| Expected next step | Title unification fight |
The interim championship gives both contenders a meaningful opportunity while Makhachev remains unavailable. However, winning the belt would not automatically establish the date of a unification contest. The UFC must still coordinate the champion’s return and finalize another matchup.
Islam Makhachev’s UFC Championship Achievements Explain White’s Respect
Despite expressing frustration, White acknowledged that Makhachev has achieved remarkable success inside the Octagon. The Russian previously established himself as the UFC lightweight champion before moving into the welterweight division. His victories against elite opponents have strengthened his position among the sport’s leading fighters.
Makhachev captured the lightweight championship by defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in October 2022. He subsequently defended the belt against Alexander Volkanovski, Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano. His championship reign demonstrated his ability to combine high-level wrestling with effective striking.
The Russian later moved to welterweight and defeated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025. That victory made him a two-division UFC champion. He subsequently defended the welterweight title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August 2026.
His latest victory extended his remarkable winning streak and reinforced his championship credentials. White understands why a fighter with those achievements may approach scheduling differently. However, he continues emphasizing the importance of regular title defenses.
Makhachev Remains Among the UFC’s Top Pound-for-Pound Fighters
Makhachev’s success across two weight divisions has strengthened his standing in UFC pound-for-pound discussions. He has defeated opponents with different striking, wrestling, and grappling backgrounds. His ability to maintain championship success after moving up a division remains a significant accomplishment.
His record of 29 victories and one defeat reflects a lengthy period of competitive dominance. However, his recent schedule has included fewer appearances than earlier stages of his career. White’s comments highlight the tension between maintaining an elite championship record and competing regularly.
The debate has become more prominent following Makhachev’s recent retirement hints. The champion has suggested that his remaining MMA career may include only a limited number of fights. Those comments have increased speculation about how he will approach future opportunities.
Could Islam Makhachev Retire Before Another UFC Title Defense?
Makhachev recently suggested that his next appearance could be among the final fights of his professional career. His comments attracted attention because he remains the undisputed welterweight champion. However, he has not formally announced a retirement date.
The Russian is now 35 and has spent more than a decade competing in the UFC. His career includes numerous championship appearances and high-level training camps. Those demands may influence how he approaches the remaining stages of his competitive career.
However, Makhachev has also expressed interest in facing the winner of Prates against Morales. That position suggests he continues planning another championship defense. His next appearance remains uncertain until the UFC confirms a date.
The possibility of retirement adds another complication to the welterweight division. A confirmed title unification contest would provide greater clarity for the interim champion and other contenders. Until then, the promotion must manage the division around Makhachev’s availability.
When Will Islam Makhachev Fight Again?
Makhachev has indicated that he plans to compete after Ramadan in 2027. The religious observance is expected to run from early February into early March, depending on the lunar calendar. However, the champion has not officially committed to a specific return date.
The UFC could arrange a title unification contest once the interim champion is determined. However, the timing would depend on Makhachev’s availability and the condition of the January winner. Those factors could influence whether the matchup takes place during spring or summer.
The promotion previously expected Makhachev to appear in January before the proposed Prates contest collapsed. His revised plans have now moved the championship timeline further into 2027. Another announcement will be needed before the exact date becomes clear.
The published Islam Makhachev next fight update previously examined his planned return and potential opponents. However, the situation has changed following the UFC 336 interim championship announcement. His next defense is now expected against the winner of Prates and Morales.
Final Thoughts
Dana White wants Islam Makhachev to defend his UFC welterweight championship more frequently after the collapse of their January plans. The UFC CEO confirmed that the Russian verbally agreed to face Carlos Prates before changing his decision. White believes competing twice annually would help prevent unnecessary delays for other contenders.
However, White also acknowledged Makhachev’s accomplishments and suggested that financial security may influence his competitive priorities. The champion has instead emphasized the importance of identifying a deserving challenger. His decision has led the UFC to book Prates against Michael Morales for the interim championship.
Makhachev is expected to return after Ramadan in 2027, although no official date has been confirmed. The winner of the January interim title fight should become his next challenger. Until then, questions about his activity and long-term career plans will remain part of the welterweight championship discussion.
FAQs About Dana White Islam Makhachev
1. What did Dana White say about Islam Makhachev’s fight schedule?
Dana White said he does not expect UFC champions to fight three times annually. However, he believes two appearances each year would help keep championship divisions active.
2. Did Islam Makhachev agree to fight Carlos Prates at UFC 336?
According to Dana White, Makhachev verbally agreed to face Carlos Prates in January 2027. However, the champion later changed his decision, and the fight was never finalized.
3. Why is Islam Makhachev not fighting at UFC 336?
Makhachev questioned whether Carlos Prates deserved the next undisputed championship opportunity. He also indicated that he preferred returning after Ramadan in 2027.
4. Who will fight for the interim UFC welterweight championship?
Carlos Prates will face undefeated contender Michael Morales at UFC 336 on January 30, 2027. Their matchup will determine the interim UFC welterweight champion.
5. When will Islam Makhachev defend his UFC title again?
Makhachev is expected to return after Ramadan in 2027. However, the UFC has not confirmed a date for his next title defense against the eventual interim champion.
