Why did Islam Makhachev drop out of UFC 336 and who will fight Carlos Prates instead?

It hasn't been too long since UFC fans last saw Islam Makhachev in the Octagon, but many were thrilled when plans were made for the current UFC Welterweight Champion to put his title on the line against Carlos Prates at UFC 336. That, apparently, isn't going to happen.

The UFC announced on Saturday that there will instead be an interim Welterweight Championship fight between Prates and Michael Morales. The new headliner will be the World Flyweight Championship bout between Joshua Van and Manel Kape. UFC 336 is set to take place in Toronto on January 30.

Dana White says Islam Makhachev told him he doesn't want to fight until after Ramadan

UFC President Dana White spoke a few hours after the announcement and gave additional details on Makhachev's absence. Basically, the champion didn't want to fight so soon, even though he had apparently said he wanted to fight before Ramadan begins on February 8.

Well, Islam, you know, on average fights like once a year. He was slated for January, and then said I don't want to fight until after Ramadan. And you just, you can't hold up divisions like this. You gotta keep moving. And this fight (between Prates and Morales) makes sense.

Dana White on Islam Makhachev not fighting at UFC 336

The reporter who asked White about the situation then followed up by asking if he was given a reason for Makhachev's decision, which appeared to be a change of mind on the fighter's part: "No, no reason [given]."

It's not necessarily true that Makhachev only fights once a year, as he fought twice in 2025, 2023, 2022, and 2021. He certainly takes more time to rest and recover than other top-shelf fighters, but champions get the benefit of the doubt in that regard.

• Dana White
• UFC
• Islam Makhachev