The welterweight title picture is starting to take shape, with Carlos Prates now set to face Michael Morales for interim gold at UFC 336. The matchup will serve as the co-main event of the Toronto card on January 30.
Islam Makhachev was originally expected to make his second title defense against Prates but withdrew from the matchup, citing a lack of preparation time with Ramadan beginning just nine days after the event. The reigning champion had already hinted at the fight during the UFC 333 broadcast before the official announcement.
Makhachev pointed out that the welterweight division has too many contenders and suggested that Prates and Morales should settle things inside the Octagon in January. However, the decision hasn’t gone down well with Prates, who has repeatedly slammed the Dagestani for turning down the fight and pushing his return further into 2027.
Islam Makhachev Trolls Carlos Prates Over Ian Garry Loss After UFC 336 Interim Title Fight Announcement
Prates had already taken several shots at Makhachev before the interim title fight was made official. Following the announcement, the Brazilian took another dig at the champion on social media, writing, “@islam_makhachev I’ve been working for my dream to be a champion at 17 years old, and now you postponed it. I’m number 1; I knocked out two former champions, while Morales only beat Sean Brady.”
The Brazilian also threatened to retire Makhachev after capturing the interim 170-pound title. “You told UFC you won’t be ready to fight in 3 months. Bro, you don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t party, and can’t you prepare for a fight in three months? Let me show you how it’s done. January 30th, I’ll knock out Michael Morales, and then I’ll come back to retire you.”
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As expected, Makhachev wasted little time firing back. The champion responded, writing, “I just beat the guy who chased you around the Octagon for five rounds. Shut up and go train. You’re not on my level. See you soon, maybe.”
Makhachev was referring to Prates’ only UFC loss, which came against Ian Garry last year. The Brazilian lost to Garry over five rounds, while Makhachev later defeated the Irishman at UFC 330 to secure his first welterweight title defense.
I just beat the guy who chased you around the Octagon for five rounds. Shut up and go train. You’re not on my level. See you soon . #maybe
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) October 24, 2026
Prates has bounced back emphatically from that setback, putting together three consecutive knockouts in his last three fights. His recent victims include former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena, further strengthening his case for a shot at the undisputed title.
Now, Prates will have to get past the undefeated Morales at UFC 336 before he can turn his attention back to Makhachev. If he captures the interim gold in Toronto, the Brazilian could finally get the opportunity to settle his growing feud with the champion when Makhachev returns in 2027.
Kshitiz Kumar Singh is a UFC Writer at NY Fights with over three years of experience in sports journalism and content creation. Known for his sharp storytelling and passion for combat sports, he has written in-depth features on stars like Brock Lesnar, Randy Couture, and Ilia Topuria. Before joining NY Fights, Kshitiz worked as a UFC Editor at EssentiallySports while currently serving as a WWE Editor at FirstSportz. His admiration for legends like Georges St-Pierre continues to inspire his detailed and engaging MMA coverage. Whether he’s covering the Octagon or the squared circle, Kshitiz is committed to delivering accurate, high-quality content. Outside the world of sports, he’s a dedicated cinephile, often found practicing monologues from his favorite Al Pacino films, combining his love for cinema with storytelling.
