Makhachev’s Manager Plays Down Prates Fight Reports

Islam Makhachev’s reported January 30 title defense against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 in Toronto is only a rumor.

“As of now, it’s not close to becoming a reality. It’s all just rumors and talk. Negotiations are ongoing, but confirming he’ll fight on a certain date and against a certain opponent is still far from realistic,” Magomedov.

Makhachev last fought on August 15, beating Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision at UFC 330 to defend the welterweight title. He has shown interest in facing Prates, who has won three straight since his 2025 loss to Garry, with knockouts of Geoff Neal and former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena.