UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev withdrew from UFC 336 on January 30, 2027, leading to an interim title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev abruptly withdrew from his scheduled title defense against Carlos Prates at UFC 336, prompting the promotion to book an interim title fight between Prates and Michael Morales. The event, set for January 30, 2027, at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, now features Morales vs. Prates as the co-main event, with flyweight champion Joshua Van defending his title against Manel Kape in the main bout Sportscapemagazine.com.
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
Makhachev’s Withdrawal and the Interim Title Fight
Makhachev, who last fought in August against Ian Machado Garry, was expected to face Prates at UFC 336. Dana White, UFC CEO, stated that Makhachev didn’t want to fight until after Ramadan,
which begins in February 2027 CBSSports.com. White added, You can’t hold up divisions like this.
You gotta keep moving,
justifying the interim title fight. Makhachev’s manager had previously indicated the Prates fight “isn’t close” to getting finalized BJPENN.COM.
The decision left Prates, who had built momentum with a three-fight winning streak, frustrated. You told the UFC you wouldn’t be ready to fight three months from now.
Brother, you don’t drink, you don’t smoke, you don’t go to parties, and you can’t get ready for a fight in three months?
Prates had reportedly stated that he was informed by the UFC that his upcoming fight would be for Islam Makhachev’s undisputed title, following an eight-fight agreement with the UFC Yardbarker.
Your #UFC336 main and co-main event 🤩 👏🇧🇷 Carlos Prates vs Michael Morales 🇪🇨🏆 @JoshuaVanBT vs @ManelKape 🇵🇹 🇦🇴 pic.twitter.com/n2A9K87YgT
Makhachev responded to Prates’ criticism with a direct message: 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
Heavy.com. Makhachev, who on average fights like once a year, has not fought since his August title defense BJPENN.COM. UFC commentator Jon Anik suggested Makhachev’s next fight could occur between May and July 2027 Yardbarker.
Prates’ reaction drew comparisons to Nate Diaz’s 2016 post-fight interview, which he referenced on Instagram Yardbarker. After his surprising win over ‘The Notorious,’ Diaz was interviewed by Joe Rogan inside the Octagon and questioned about his feelings on the outcome Yardbarker. The Stockton native provided a response that has since become one of the most memorable quotes in UFC history. I’m not surprised, motherf—,
he said Yardbarker. Prates shared the interview on his Instagram Stories after reports emerged that Makhachev would no longer compete at UFC 336 in Toronto Yardbarker.
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 winner of that bout is expected to face Makhachev at a future event. Prates, with a 24-7 record in the UFC, has shown the potential of a top contender with a 7-1 record in the UFC since his 2024 debut CBSSports.com. His lone defeat came at the hands of Garry CBSSports.com.
The last time Islam Makhachev withdrew voluntarily was in November 2020, when he pulled out of a matchup against Rafael dos Anjos due to a severe staph infection Yardbarker. The UFC’s decision to create an interim title was discussed by commentators, with White defending it as necessary to keep the division moving CBSSports.com.
The interim title fight between Prates and Morales was announced during UFC 333, with the UFC confirming the matchup as the co-main event BJPENN.COM. Morales, who stopped Sean Brady in the first round at UFC 322 last November, is expected to face Prates CBSSports.com. Prates, meanwhile, won his previous bout in May at UFC Perth, defeating Jack Della Maddalena by third-round TKO CBSSports.com.
Reactions and Future Implications
Dana White’s decision to book the interim title fight was met with announcements during UFC 333 BJPENN.COM. White defended the move, stating that Makhachev’s absence created a situation where you can’t hold up divisions like this CBSSports.com. The UFC also announced its return to American Airlines Center in Dallas with a UFC Fight Night event on January 16 CBSSports.com.
Dana White commented on why Islam Makhachev isn’t fighting at #UFC336 in Toronto:“He was slated for January, and then said I don't want to fight until after Ramadan. You can’t hold up divisions like this.” pic.twitter.com/AvblSlRe3U
Makhachev’s next fight remains expected to be against the winner of the co-main event. The promotion has not yet announced a final date for his title defense, but sources suggest it could occur during the summer months of 2027 BJPENN.COM. Meanwhile, Prates and Morales will face off in an interim title fight, with the winner expected to face Makhachev CBSSports.com.
The UFC 336 card also features Joshua Van’s flyweight title defense against Manel Kape CBSSports.com. Van, 25, makes the third defense of his UFC flyweight title after defeating Alexandre Pantoja by unanimous decision in their rematch CBSSports.com. Kape, 32, was last in action in June at UFC Vegas 119, stopping Kyoji Horiguchi in the third round CBSSports.com. The 32-year-old makes his first attempt to win a title in the UFC CBSSports.com.
SOME FIGHTS JUST MAKE SENSE@JoshuaVanBT vs @ManelKape[ #UFC336 | Jan 30 | LIVE on @paramountplus ] pic.twitter.com/tdxnd19Wq4
The UFC’s decision to introduce an interim title for the welterweight division was explained by White, who argued that the move was necessary because you can’t hold up divisions like this CBSSports.com. The interim title fight between Prates and Morales is set for UFC 336, with both fighters vying for a future opportunity against Makhachev CBSSports.com.
They're here to THROW HANDS 👊@thenightmare170 vs @michaellmma [ #UFC336 | Jan 30 | LIVE on @paramountplus ] pic.twitter.com/7J5F1W10uh