After his unanimous decision victory over Ian Garry at UFC 330, the MMA world was eagerly waiting to see Islam Makhachev’s next move.
According to last week’s reports, the UFC was working behind the scenes to book his second welterweight title defense against Carlos Prates for early next year. But the champion passed on the matchup. Nobody knew why the champion passed on Prates until now.
Ian Garry Loss Altered Islam Makhachev’s Decision on Carlos Prates
Makhachev told Pound 4 Padel that Prates lost to Garry in April 2025 and he had just beaten Garry himself. In his view, a win over Prates would add little to his resume and would leave Morales, who has waited for a title shot, next in line anyway.
He said, “They offered me a fight with Prates, who recently lost to [Ian Garry], someone I beat. If I beat him, Morales would already be next in line, who’s not fighting and waiting for [a title shot]. Just let them fight and we will figure out who’s the real challenger.”
🚨 Islam Makhachev explains why he turned down the Carlos Prates fight in January
“They offered me a fight with Prates, who recently lost to [Ian Garry], someone I beat. If I beat him, Morales would already be next in line, who’s not fighting and waiting for [a title shot].
Just let them fight and we will figure out who’s the real challenger.”
(via pound4padel/IG)
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 25, 2026
Makhachev also said he will fight the winner of Prates vs. Morales, saying, “Yes, Prates and Morales will fight to determine who is a true worthy contender, and I’ll fight the winner.”
Ariel Helwani first reported that Islam Makhachev wouldn’t be able to make the January date. UFC CEO Dana White then explained the situation further at the UFC 333 post-fight press conference.
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“On average, Islam fights like once a year, and he was slated for January and then said, ‘I don’t want to fight until after Ramadan,'” White told reporters backstage. “You can’t hold up divisions like this. You’ve got to keep moving, and this fight makes sense.”
🚨 Dana White says Islam Makhachev didn’t give them a reason for not fighting in January 😬
“Islam fights like once a year. He was slated for January, and then said ‘I don’t want to fight until after Ramadan.’
You can’t hold up divisions like this. You gotta keep moving.” https://t.co/CbvnxoyyIS
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 24, 2026
Prates was furious about the three months’ notice rejection. He took to Instagram and straight-up called Makhachev a “coward,” mocking him by saying he doesn’t drink, smoke, or party, so he should easily be able to get ready in three months. Prates also promised to knock out Morales on Jan. 30 before coming after the champion.
Even though Makhachev said he will fight the winner of Prates and Morales, the “ducking” debate isn’t going away anytime soon. Whoever wins the interim belt at UFC 336 will easily have the biggest claim to the real title heading into 2027.
