UFC President Dana White just made it crystal clear why we’re getting an interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales at UFC 336: “You can’t hold up divisions like this,” he said, pointing to champion Islam Makhachev’s decision to delay his next fight until after Ramadan. This move has left many UFC 333 viewers scratching their heads, especially with the title picture now completely up in the air.
Makhachev’s Delay Lights a Fire
The original plan was for welterweight champion Islam Makhachev to fight in January, but he dropped a bombshell. Makhachev told the UFC he wouldn’t fight until after Ramadan, which kicks off in February and wraps up in early March. White noted Makhachev didn’t even specify *why* he wanted to push things back. What’s wild is Makhachev averages only one fight a year. His only Octagon appearance in 2026 was his welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry in August. Back in 2025, he was more active, defending the lightweight title against Renato Moicano in January and then snatching the welterweight crown from Jack Della Maddalena in November. But for 2026, one fight is it, and now he is delaying the next.
Prates Brings the Heat, Promises a Knockout
So, with Makhachev on the sidelines, the UFC is booking an interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for January 30 in Toronto. Prates, who has a 7-1 record in the UFC since his 2024 debut, has looked absolutely dangerous, with his sole loss coming against Ian Machado Garry. But he is NOT happy about Makhachev’s delay, and he took to social media to absolutely torch the champion. “I’ve been working for my dream to be a champion at 17 years old, and now you postponed it,” Prates wrote. “I’m number 11, I knocked out two former champions while Morales only beat Sean Brady.” He didn’t stop there, slamming Makhachev: “You told UFC you won’t be ready to fight in three months. Bro, you don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t party and you can’t prepare for a fight in three months?” Prates finished with a blistering promise: “Let me show you how it’s done. Jan. 30, I’ll knockout Michael Morales, and then I’ll come back to retire you.” Talk about calling your shot!
This interim title fight at UFC 336 on January 30 is going to be massive. Prates and Morales are two young, hungry contenders, and with Prates dropping a threat like that on Makhachev, you know this fight has got some serious implications. Get ready, because the welterweight division just got a whole lot more interesting.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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