Makhachev Reportedly Next Faces Prates In Toronto

Islam Makhachev is said to be booked to put his welterweight belt on the line against Carlos Prates on January 30, 2027, in Toronto, headlining UFC 336, the promotion’s first numbered show of the new year.

Makhachev took the title from Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision in November 2025 and beat Ian Machado Garry the same way on August 16 for his first defense.

Prates is riding a three-fight win streak, the latest a third-round KO of Della Maddalena in Perth on May 2, and the Brazilian has pushed for a title shot since.

The date suits Makhachev, who wants to compete before Ramadan starts in February. “We have to fight before Ramadan, 100 per cent,” Makhachev.

Undefeated contenders Shavkat Rakhmonov and Michael Morales are also linked to the card. Neither fight is official.