Islam Makhachev Won’t Face Carlos Prates at UFC 336

Islam Makhachev will not defend his welterweight title against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 in Toronto on January 30, 2027; Prates is instead scheduled to meet undefeated Michael Morales for the interim belt at Scotiabank Arena.

The UFC announced the change during the UFC 333 broadcast. Makhachev is expected to retain his undisputed championship while he delays his return, leaving Prates and Morales to compete for interim gold. The winner would be positioned for a possible title unification fight against Makhachev when he returns.

Dana White on Makhachev’s delay

UFC CEO Dana White said after UFC 333 that the promotion could not leave the welterweight division waiting for Makhachev. White said Makhachev fights “like once a year,” according to MMA Fighting, and explained that the champion had been scheduled to compete in January but did not want to fight until after Ramadan.

White said the UFC needed to keep the division moving and viewed Prates versus Morales as a suitable interim title matchup. He also said Makhachev had not given a further reason for postponing his next appearance.

The planned Makhachev-Prates bout had been expected to headline UFC 336, with Prates emerging as a leading contender. The switch means the event will feature an interim title fight instead. It does not strip Makhachev of the undisputed championship, according to the report.

Prates gets an interim title shot

Prates comes into the matchup on a three-fight stoppage streak and has seven knockout wins in the UFC, the source reports. His recent victories over former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena helped build his case for a title opportunity.

The Brazilian had been pursuing a fight with Makhachev and was frustrated when the champion’s January return did not go ahead. After the interim bout was announced, Prates publicly criticized Makhachev and said he would make the most of the opportunity against Morales.

A win would give Prates interim championship status and put him in a strong position to seek an eventual unification fight. He will now face a different challenge from the one he had been pursuing: an unbeaten contender with seven UFC victories.

Morales brings an unbeaten record

Morales is 19-0 as a professional, including seven wins in the UFC. The Ecuadorian has built his standing in the division through a mix of speed, power and composure, according to the report. Beating Prates would earn him interim gold while preserving his perfect record.

The matchup sets Prates’ finishing striking against Morales’ bid to extend his unbeaten run. Both are seeking their first UFC welterweight championship, and the interim title will give the winner a route toward a bout with Makhachev.

Makhachev captured the welterweight title by beating Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025, then defended it against Ian Machado Garry in August 2026. He is expected to remain champion while preparing for a later return. UFC 336 is scheduled for January 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, with Prates and Morales set to fight for the interim welterweight title.