Islam Makhachev reveals why he turned down title defense against Carlos Prates as UFC books interim welterweight title fight at UFC 336

Islam Makhachev has finally opened up on why a January title defense against Carlos Prates never materialized, and his reasoning centers on who deserves the next shot. The UFC welterweight champion wants Prates and Michael Morales to settle that question before he returns. Instead of the anticipated championship showdown, the contenders will compete for an interim belt at UFC 336. That decision has left fans weighing Makhachev’s explanation against Dana White’s frustration over his availability. With a new title fight booked and the champion watching from the sidelines, the division now has a different route toward deciding who challenges for undisputed gold next.

WHY DID ISLAM MAKHACHEV TURN DOWN CARLOS PRATES?

According to MMA Junkie, Makhachev confirmed he received an offer to face Prates but questioned the Brazilian’s claim to an immediate championship opportunity.

"Yes, Prates and Morales will fight to determine who is a true worthy contender, and I'll fight the winner," Makhachev told pound4padel.ru in Russian, as quoted by MMA Junkie.

"They offered me a fight with Prates, who recently lost to (Ian Machado Garry), someone I beat. If I beat him, Morales would already be next in line, who's not fighting and waiting for (a title shot). Just let them fight, and we will figure out who's the real challenger."



His argument revolves around Ian Machado Garry. Prates lost to Garry, while Makhachev subsequently defeated the Irishman. The champion also argued that beating Prates would leave Morales waiting for his own opportunity without competing.

Makhachev’s preferred solution is therefore straightforward: have the two contenders fight and face whoever emerges. His comments establish that he intends to meet the winner, although they do not provide a confirmed date.

Prates nevertheless brings momentum. MMA Junkie noted that he has recorded three consecutive knockouts since losing to Garry, stopping Leon Edwards, Geoff Neal and Jack Della Maddalena. Morales, meanwhile, remains unbeaten and has stopped his past three opponents.

DANA WHITE MOVES FORWARD WITH INTERIM TITLE FIGHT

UFC CEO White criticized Makhachev’s schedule after UFC 333 on Saturday, saying the champion had been expected to compete in January before changing his decision and requesting a return after Ramadan.

"On average, Islam fights like one time a year," White said. "He was slated for January and then said, 'I don’t want to fight until after Ramadan'."

"You can’t hold up divisions like this. You’ve got to keep moving, and this fight makes sense."



For Prates and Morales, the interim championship raises the stakes beyond earning contender status. One will leave UFC 336 with a belt and a stronger claim to face Makhachev.

The unresolved question is when that meeting happens. Until a return is confirmed, the interim fight gives welterweight a championship contest while leaving the eventual unification date open.