Dana White on Islam Makhachev after UFC 336 interim title news: 'You can't hold up divisions like this'

A new interim welterweight champion will be crowned to start 2027.

During Saturday’s UFC 333 broadcast from Abu Dhabi, the promotion announced the first two fights for UFC 336 on Jan. 30 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Surging flyweight champion Joshua Van will return to defend against top-contender Manel Kape, while a surprise interim title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales is also on tap.

The current UFC’s welterweight champion, Islam Makhachev, was expected to defend his title against Prates at the January event, however Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani reported Friday that Makhachev ultimately was unable to make the date. UFC CEO Dana White elaborated on the situation in UFC 333’s post-fight press conference.

"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."

White added that no reason was given to him for why Makhachev wanted to wait, but the reigning champion and pound-for-pound great has already commented on social media. When a fan asked when we can see him back, Makhachev responsed:

"As soon as we find out who the real contender is, we'll be right back!!!"

Shortly after the announcement of UFC 336’s interim title, Prates also took to social media to question how long Makhachev needs to compete.

Said Prates:

"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. 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, fujão!"

Makhachev fired back promptly, alluding to each of their own fights against Ian Machado Garry, whom Prates fell short against in April 2025. Makhachev, meanwhile, successfully defended his title against Garry via unanimous decision at UFC 330 in August.

Makhachev wrote:

“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”

Prates (24-7) has gone on a stellar three-fight win streak since his Garry loss, knocking out former champions Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards.

Morales (19-0), on the other hand, last picked up a dominant first-round stoppage win over Sean Brady in November at UFC 322 — the same night Makhachev won welterweight gold against Della Maddalena.