Islam Makhachev, the welterweight champion, isn’t defending his belt at UFC 336 in January, despite previously giving a verbal agreement. That’s right, the division is scrambling, and we’re looking at an interim title fight instead. Talk about a curveball for the new year.
The “Verbal Agreement” and the Interim Belt Shake-Up
The champ was locked in for a January defense, or so we all thought. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Makhachev had verbally agreed to step into the octagon against top contender Carlos Prates for UFC 336. But then, Islam changed his mind, saying he wants to wait until after Ramadan to fight. So, what does that mean for the welterweight division and the fighters gunning for gold? Carlos Prates will now face Michael Morales, the No. 3 ranked contender, for an interim belt at UFC 336. White isn’t shy about his feelings on champions holding up divisions. “When you get to a position where he’s at and what he’s accomplished, who knows what he’s thinking or what he wants to do next?” White said at a media event. He added, “I like when guys fight a lot. Being the champ, I don’t really expect you to fight three times a year, but twice would be nice. What you start to do is back up the division, because lots of guys would like a shot at the title.”
Dana White’s Blunt Assessment: “It’s Money”
Makhachev publicly stated that Prates needed to prove himself more before getting a title shot, which, okay, maybe. But White, man, he didn’t buy that for a second. He’s got a much simpler, and maybe harsher, take on why the champ pulled out. “I think it’s money,” White flat out said. He believes that once fighters hit a certain financial level, that “young and hungry” drive to fight often for more cash starts to fade. “Once you start to get enough money, you don’t have to fight all the time. And for him, to be fair to Islam, look at what he’s accomplished.” Makhachev last defended his welterweight title back in August, defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. That was his first defense in the division.
So, while Makhachev waits it out, the welterweight division keeps spinning. We’re getting an interim champ crowned at UFC 336 in January between Prates and Morales. You gotta wonder, though: what’s next for Islam? And how long will he keep the division on ice before we see the undisputed champ back in action?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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