Makhachev Angers UFC After Ditching Prates Bout

Islam Makhachev has left UFC matchmakers frustrated after reversing course on a planned welterweight title defense against Carlos Prates at UFC 336, per the challenger's manager.

The champion had publicly stated his intention to defend the 170-pound strap before Ramadan started and named Prates as his preferred opponent over Michael Morales. That changed during fight negotiations, leading the promotion to book Prates against Morales for interim gold on Jan. 30 in Toronto.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 336 on Ticketmaster →

Manager Claims Champion Reversed Position Without Explanation

Lucas Lutkus, who represents Prates, told MMA Fighting that UFC officials were caught off guard by Makhachev's late withdrawal from the planned matchup. The manager said the champion had committed to the fight throughout talks before pulling out roughly three months from the event.

Lutkus noted the shift contradicted Makhachev's post-Philadelphia statements praising Prates as the rightful contender. "This talk from Islam about there being so many contenders doesn't hold up," he said.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 336 on Ticketmaster →

Dana White told media the division cannot wait on Makhachev's timeline, prompting the interim championship fight. The CEO later suggested financial motivations may factor into the pound-for-pound great's decision-making as he approaches career's end. Makhachev recently announced his next bout will be among his final appearances in the octagon.

The promotion moves forward with the Toronto interim title fight while Makhachev's next move remains unclear.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Islam Makhachev has heat with matchmakers for ditching UFC 336 negotiations, claims Carlos Prates’ manager