Dana White On Makhachev's UFC 336 Pullout

UFC CEO Dana White believes financial security is behind Islam Makhachev's decision to skip a January title defense at UFC 336.

The welterweight champion had verbally committed to fighting at the event before backing out, according to BJPenn.com, forcing the promotion to schedule an interim bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. White publicly criticized Makhachev for the reversal, saying the move creates a logjam with multiple contenders waiting for their shot.

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White Links Fighter Wealth To Activity Levels

Speaking to The Mac Life and other outlets at a recent scrum, White explained his theory on why the champion withdrew. Fighters early in their careers stay busy chasing paydays, he said, but that drive fades as bank accounts grow. "I think it's money," White told reporters, per MMA Fighting.

While White said he does not demand champions fight three times per year, he wants to see them defend twice annually to keep divisions moving. Makhachev last fought at UFC 330 earlier this year, where he beat Ian Machado Garry on all three scorecards. The lightweight champion still holds the top spot in the promotion's official pound-for-pound rankings.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Dana White says ‘money’ is major reason for Islam Makhachev turning down UFC 336 return