Dana White reveals Makhachev verbally agreed to UFC 336 fight before pulling out

UFC CEO Dana White has publicly called out lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for his lack of activity, revealing that a title defence against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 — scheduled for January 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto — was verbally agreed before Makhachev changed his mind.

Makhachev had himself requested another title defence before Ramadan 2027 following his win over Ian Garry in August, even naming Prates as his preferred opponent. White says the fight was all but set before the champion withdrew from the agreement.

“That was verbally agreed to… I like when guys fight a lot,” White said during a media scrum. “Being a champion, I don’t really expect you to fight three times a year. But twice would be nice. It backs up the division; there are many guys who would like a shot at the title.”

White acknowledged that expecting a champion of Makhachev’s standing to compete three times a year is unrealistic, but made clear that two fights per year is a reasonable minimum. Makhachev (29-1) has not fought more than twice in a calendar year since 2022.

With the champion sidelined until after Ramadan, the UFC has pivoted to an interim title bout at UFC 336. Prates (24-7) will now face unbeaten welterweight contender Michael Morales (19-0), with the winner set to meet Makhachev once he is ready to return.