Carlos Prates slams Islam Makhachev after their UFC 336 title fight is canceled, promising to retire the champion next.
Top-ranked Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight contender Carlos Prates was scheduled to challenge Islam Makhachev for the 170-pound title. The championship bout was set for the UFC 336 main event on January 30, 2027, inside Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
However, Islam Makhachev informed UFC officials that he would not be ready to compete in January, requesting to postpone his return until after Ramadan. Consequently, the promotion booked Carlos Prates against undefeated contender Michael Morales for an interim welterweight championship, according to information published by mmamania.
The sudden change left the Brazilian knockout artist visibly frustrated, prompting a sharp reaction directed at the reigning champion on social media. The cancelled title matchup has now sparked a heated feud involving multiple top athletes and UFC leadership in the welterweight division.
Carlos Prates slams Islam Makhachev over training schedule
Carlos Prates did not hold back when criticizing the champion's decision to delay the bout, pointing out his disciplined lifestyle. The contender questioned how someone who does not drink, smoke, or party could possibly need more than three months to prepare for a major title fight.
The Brazilian fighter highlighted his own impressive resume to justify his top ranking in the division. Since suffering a loss to Ian Machado Garry, Carlos Prates has earned three consecutive finishes, including notable victories over former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena.
Islam Makhachev fires back at welterweight contender
Islam Makhachev quickly responded to the fiery callout by referencing their shared opponent inside the Octagon. The champion noted that he recently defeated the same fighter who previously chased Carlos Prates around the cage for five full rounds.
The war of words escalated further as the champion dismissed the challenger's accomplishments, telling him to focus on training instead of making bold threats. Despite the social media back-and-forth, the division will temporarily move forward without the reigning titleholder.
Dana White and UFC 336 interim championship plans
UFC CEO Dana White expressed clear dissatisfaction with the champion's tendency to defend his belt only once a year. White emphasized that holding up entire divisions is unacceptable and that the organization must keep the schedule moving forward with logical matchups.
First, Carlos Prates must get through undefeated contender Michael Morales, who holds a professional record of 19-0 with a 7-0 mark inside the Octagon. If the Brazilian contender wins in Toronto, his anticipated grudge match with Islam Makhachev will transform into a high-stakes title unification bout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the UFC 336 title fight between Carlos Prates and Islam Makhachev canceled?
The fight was canceled because Islam Makhachev informed UFC officials he would not be ready to compete in January and wanted to postpone his return until after Ramadan.
Who is Carlos Prates fighting at UFC 336 instead?
Instead of facing Islam Makhachev, Carlos Prates is scheduled to fight undefeated contender Michael Morales for the interim UFC welterweight championship in Toronto.
What did Dana White say about Islam Makhachev delaying his return?
UFC CEO Dana White criticized Islam Makhachev for fighting only about once a year and stated that champions cannot hold up divisions by refusing to compete in January.
What did Carlos Prates say to Islam Makhachev on social media?
Carlos Prates criticized the champion's training timeline, highlighted his own knockout wins over former champions, and promised to knock out Michael Morales before eventually returning to retire Islam Makhachev.
