Dana White confirmed Islam Makhachev’s withdrawal from UFC 336, leading to an interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales in Toronto on January 30, 2027, after the champion cited Ramadan scheduling conflicts.
The UFC’s return to Toronto for UFC 336 on January 30, 2027, will feature an interim welterweight title fight after reigning champion Islam Makhachev withdrew, citing a need to prioritize Ramadan obligations. The event, the first in Canada’s largest city since 2024, was revealed during the UFC 333 broadcast, with CEO Dana White emphasizing Canada’s strategic importance to the brand.
6IX SIDE CALLING 🦉🤩🇨🇦 The Octagon returns to Toronto for #UFC336! Register your interest here: https://t.co/z7PyDiMs2v[ JAN 30 LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/1C4phLPOzH
UFC 336 Sets Interim Welterweight Title Fight After Makhachev Withdraws
Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will clash for the interim welterweight title at UFC 336, a shift necessitated by Makhachev’s decision to delay his next title defense. White stated, On average, Islam fights like once a year,
and noted the division could not wait for the champion’s availability. Prates, who was poised to face Makhachev, criticized the move, calling him a “coward” for backing out.
Makhachev’s manager, downplayed the situation, calling the fight rumors “just talk,” but the UFC proceeded to replace the main event. The interim title was announced by commentator Jon Anik, who revealed Makhachev’s next fight is likely delayed until summer 2027 due to Ramadan, which begins February 8.
Dana White explains why interim welterweight title being introduced with Islam Makhachev still champion https://t.co/xP5mt4vkSa
Prates, ranked No. 1 in the welterweight division, has defeated former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena, while Morales, undefeated at 19-0, has not fought since stopping Sean Brady in November 2025. The UFC 336 card will also feature a flyweight title defense by Joshua Van against Manel Kape, with Van having defeated Alexandre Pantoja in title bouts.
Makhachev’s Scheduling Conflict and Fan Reaction
Makhachev’s withdrawal follows a pattern of avoiding fights during Ramadan, a tradition he has upheld in previous years. White confirmed no reason was provided for the postponement, though sources suggest Makhachev’s team sought a later date. Prates, who has defeated former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena, expressed frustration, vowing to fight Morales in a social media exchange.
We have to now who is better who deserve
The UFC’s decision to introduce an interim title reflects the promotion’s efforts to maintain momentum in the welterweight division. Morales, undefeated in 19 fights, and Prates, ranked No. 1, now face off to determine the next challenger for Makhachev, who is expected to return in summer 2027. Ontario’s Minister of Sport, Brian Saunderson, highlighted the event’s economic impact, citing reduced costs for promoters as a key factor in the province’s appeal.
Prates, who was in line for a title shot, shared a clip of Nate Diaz’s iconic post-fight interview after submitting Conor McGregor at UFC 196 in March 2016, referencing his own frustration. Diaz’s interview was conducted by Joe Rogan inside the Octagon.
Dana White’s reaction to Islam Makhachev reportedly pulling out against Carlos Prates:“Huh. Interesting…” pic.twitter.com/4PsZlm2Cs4
Toronto Hosts UFC 336, Introduces New Broadcast Model
UFC 336 will mark the eighth event in Toronto, a city with a storied history in the promotion, including title fights featuring Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, José Aldo, Valentina Shevchenko and Max Holloway. The card will also debut a new broadcast model, with Paramount+ offering main events at no extra cost to Canadian subscribers.
Tickets for the event go on sale November 20, at 10 a.m. ET. The UFC’s return to Toronto comes after a three-year hiatus, with the last event, UFC 297 in January 2024, setting a Canadian arena gate record. Makhachev’s absence leaves the welterweight division in flux, with fans awaiting clarity on his next move and the interim title’s implications for the division’s hierarchy.
The event’s significance extends beyond the Octagon, as the UFC continues to expand its presence in Canada. White emphasized the partnership with Ontario’s Ministry of Sport, stating, I’m excited to partner with the Ministry of Sport and bring UFC back to Toronto,
and highlighting the city’s role in hosting some of the promotion’s “biggest moments.” Toronto’s history with the UFC dates back to April 2008, when the UFC first entered the Montreal market with UFC 83.
UFC 336 will also be the first numbered event in Canada under the new Paramount+ deal, which eliminates pay-per-view fees for subscribers. This shift aligns with the UFC’s broader strategy to increase accessibility, as seen in the U.S. where the deal has been in place since January. The Canadian rollout mirrors this model, with preliminary fights airing on Rogers Sportsnet and Fight Pass.
Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will face off at #UFC336 for the interim welterweight title![ SAT Jan 30 on @paramountplus ] pic.twitter.com/6Ddrv37bFs
The interim welterweight title fight has drawn attention due to its high stakes. Prates has the distinction of being awarded a performance of the night bonus for all seven of his wins inside the promotion, and Morales has never lost inside the Octagon. Their matchup follows a series of high-profile welterweight bouts, including Alexander Volkanovski’s featherweight title defense against Movsar Evloev and Petr Yan’s bantamweight trilogy win over Merab Dvalishvili in Abu Dhabi.
White’s comments on Makhachev’s inactivity reflect broader concerns about title defenses. He was slated for January and then said, ‘I don’t want to fight until after Ramadan,’ and you can’t hold up divisions like this. You got to keep moving, and this fight makes sense. No reason,
he said. This sentiment highlights the UFC’s need to maintain a steady flow of high-profile events, even if it means creating interim titles.
I just beat the guy who chased you around the Octagon for five rounds. Shut up and go train. You’re not on my level. See you soon . #maybe
For Prates, the interim title fight is a chance to prove himself against a top contender. Prates blasted Makhachev for not fighting at UFC 336 by calling him a coward. Meanwhile, Makhachev’s message to Prates, I just beat the guy who chased you around the Octagon for five rounds. Shut up and go train. You’re not on my level. See you soon. #maybe,
has fueled further debate about the champion’s commitment to the division.
The UFC, on average, puts on 13 to 14 premium events in a calendar year, with UFC 336 serving as a key stop. The promotion’s return to Toronto coincides with its expanded presence in Canada, where it has held 38 premier events across 11 Canadian cities since 2008, making UFC 336 its 39th. The city’s last UFC event, UFC 297, featured Dricus du Plessis winning a split decision over Sean Strickland to take the middleweight championship and Raquel Pennington beating Mayra Bueno Silva by unanimous decision to claim the vacant women’s bantamweight title.
My immediate reaction to Van vs. Kape and Prates vs. Morales being added to UFC 336 in Toronto pic.twitter.com/aRQqBW4hgx
As the UFC prepares for its slate, the interim welterweight title fight at UFC 336 highlights the challenges of managing a division with multiple elite fighters. With Makhachev’s next title defense likely in the summer months of 2027, the interim champion will play a critical role in shaping the welterweight landscape. Fans await updates on Makhachev’s return and the outcome of the Prates-Morales clash, which could redefine the division’s hierarchy.
Dana White explains interim title with Islam Makhachev not fighting at #UFC336 https://t.co/0NqUooQJ4b