Islam Makhachev Won’t Defend Welterweight Title Against Carlos Prates at UFC 336
Islam Makhachev will not defend his UFC welterweight championship against Carlos Prates at UFC 336, forcing the promotion to change its plans for the upcoming event in Toronto, Canada. The UFC has instead booked Prates to face undefeated contender Michael Morales for the interim welterweight title on January 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena. The announcement was made during the UFC 333 broadcast, setting up a high-stakes matchup between two of the division’s most dangerous finishers. Makhachev had been expected to headline UFC 336 against Prates, who had emerged as a leading contender for the championship. However, the champion’s decision to postpone his return has left the UFC moving forward with an interim title fight rather than waiting for the reigning champion to become available. UFC CEO Dana White addressed the situation following UFC 333, explaining that the promotion could not…
