The rumors were true. The welterweight division will have to move forward without Islam Makhachev for now. During the UFC 333 broadcast, the promotion announced that Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will fight for the interim welterweight title in the co-main event of UFC 336.
The event is scheduled for January 30 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. Makhachev was rumored to make his second title defense at the event, but the Dagestani has ultimately decided to sit this one out.
UFC 336 to Crown Interim Welterweight Champion in Islam Makhachev’s Absence
Prates has been considered one of the top contenders for a title shot for quite some time, and he has been on a tear lately. The Brazilian has scored three straight knockout wins over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards, and Jack Della Maddalena. His only UFC defeat came against Ian Garry at UFC Kansas last year, the same fighter Makhachev beat while defending his belt at UFC 330.
The 33-year-old has finished all seven of his UFC victories and will now get his first shot at championship gold. Meanwhile, Morales remains unbeaten at 19-0 and is coming off a knockout win over Sean Brady at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden.
The Ecuadorian has also stopped Gilbert Burns and Neil Magny in the first round. With a perfect 7-0 record inside the Octagon, Morales will look to keep his undefeated run going while claiming his first UFC title.
They’re here to THROW HANDS 👊
@thenightmare170 vs @michaellmma
[ #UFC336 | Jan 30 | LIVE on @paramountplus ] https://t.co/7J5F1W10uh
— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2026
Makhachev had already hinted at the matchup before the official announcement during the UFC 333 broadcast. The reigning champion pointed out that the welterweight division has too many contenders and suggested that Prates and Morales needed to settle things in January.
He wrote, “Carlos Morales January, too many contenders,” and in a separate tweet wrote, “We have to know who is better, who deserve.”
🚨 Islam Makhachev says Carlos Prates and Michael Morales should fight in January to determine the #1 contender 👀
“Too much contenders. We have to know who is better, who deserve.” https://t.co/YoM62x0XyS
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 24, 2026
While the UFC has yet to provide an official reason for Makhachev’s absence from UFC 336, reports suggest the Dagestani may not be ready to compete on January 30, with Ramadan set to begin on February 8.
With a January return seemingly off the table, his next fight could be pushed back by several months, potentially taking place after Ramadan. As a result, the winner of the interim title fight between Morales and Prates could get a shot at Makhachev in the second quarter of 2027.