Prates Blasts Makhachev For Backing Out Of January Title Defense

Carlos Prates has unloaded on Islam Makhachev for turning down a January welterweight title defense, calling the champion's decision to delay his return a betrayal after years of work toward a title shot.

The Brazilian contender will now fight Michael Morales for an interim belt at UFC 336 on Jan. 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto instead of challenging Makhachev for the undisputed championship. Speaking on journalist Laerte Viana's YouTube channel, Prates said Makhachev backed out of a date the UFC had reserved for him. "I've been in this game for 17 years," Prates said, per Sherdog and MMA Fighting. "When it's finally my turn to live my dream of becoming champion, the guy backs out like that."

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What Makhachev's Decision Means For UFC 336

According to UFC CEO Dana White, Makhachev was initially expected to defend in January but opted to return after Ramadan. The promotion then booked the interim title fight between Prates and Morales, with the winner expected to face Makhachev in a unification bout later in the year. Prates told Viana that everyone from the UFC brass to fans was frustrated by the champion's choice to delay.

The Brazilian contender also questioned why a champion unwilling to compete wouldn't simply vacate the title. He said he plans to take out Morales at UFC 336 before coming back to beat Makhachev in a unification fight. Prates dismissed Morales as a threat, saying the Ecuadorian will have to wait his turn.

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

UFC 336 goes down Jan. 30 in Toronto with the Prates-Morales interim title fight expected to headline.

Photo by julien Tromeur on Unsplash

Original reporting:

• sherdog.com — Carlos Prates rips Islam Makhachev again for declining January UFC title fight
• bjpenn.com — Carlos Prates rips into Islam Makhachev over UFC 336 dilemma | BJPenn.com