Dana White blasts Islam Makhachev's inactivity after UFC title delay

Dana White says Islam Makhachev was initially expected to defend his Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title in January but now wants to return after Ramadan next year.

Speaking to reporters after UFC 333 on Saturday, the UFC CEO explained the decision to book Carlos Prates against Michael Morales for an interim title and criticized Makhachev’s activity.

Dana White says Islam Makhachev's post-Ramadan return prompted Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales at UFC 336

Prates and Morales will meet at UFC 336 on Jan. 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The winner is expected to face Makhachev in a title unification bout, potentially next summer.

White said Makhachev’s change of plans prompted the promotion to introduce an interim championship.

“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 said. “You just can't hold up divisions like this. You got to keep moving. And this fight makes sense.”

When asked whether Makhachev had provided a reason for declining the January date, White responded:

“No, no reason.”