Prates On Makhachev's Fight Demands After UFC 336 Exit

Carlos Prates accused Islam Makhachev of cherry-picking advantageous matchups after the welterweight champion pulled out of their planned UFC 336 title fight.

The Brazilian contender was initially lined up to challenge Makhachev for the 170-pound strap but was redirected by UFC officials to an interim title bout against Michael Morales instead. In an interview with Squawka, Prates drew parallels between Makhachev's selective approach and the pattern established by his longtime coach Khabib Nurmagomedov during his own championship tenure, as reported by MMA Junkie.

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Prates Sets June Deadline For Makhachev Return

"I don't think it's the right way to do things," Prates told Squawka, arguing that both fighters compete roughly once annually and wait until conditions suit them perfectly before signing contracts.

Prates gave Makhachev until June to defend or relinquish the belt. He acknowledged the interim fight makes sense temporarily but said the champion cannot claim unreadiness after Ramadan ends. Makhachev has signaled his career is winding down, with the Russian stating publicly that his remaining appearances will be limited.

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According to Prates' management team, UFC matchmakers have expressed frustration with Makhachev over abandoning the UFC 336 headliner negotiations. The interim welterweight title clash between Prates and Morales is targeted for a June date.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Islam Makhachev only accepts fights under right circumstances, claims Carlos Prates: “When Khabib was champ, he did the same thing”