Prates blasts Makhachev for ducking January title shot, vows interim belt is his stepping stone

Carlos Prates has launched a pointed public attack on UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev after the Russian declined to defend his title in January, forcing the promotion to book Prates against Michael Morales for the interim championship at UFC 336 on 30 January 2027 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Speaking on journalist Laerte Viana’s YouTube channel, the Brazilian contender made clear he holds Makhachev personally responsible for derailing what he described as a lifelong ambition.

“I’ve been in this game for 17 years. When it’s finally my turn to live my dream of becoming champion, the guy [Makhachev] backs out like that,” Prates said. “I think everybody was pissed off about Islam’s decision. I was, the UFC was, the people didn’t like it.”

According to UFC CEO Dana White, Makhachev had originally been pencilled in to defend in January but chose to delay his return until after Ramadan. The promotion responded by creating an interim title bout between Prates and Morales, with the winner expected to face Makhachev in a unification fight.

Prates went further, suggesting that a champion unwilling to compete should consider vacating the belt — a pointed challenge to Makhachev’s standing as the division’s undisputed ruler.

Despite his frustration over the circumstances, Prates struck a measured tone when addressing his actual opponent, the unbeaten Ecuadorian prospect Morales.

“I have nothing against him. He’s a good kid, he wants the same thing I do, but he’s going to have to wait a little because it’s my turn now,” Prates said.

The interim title fight keeps Prates on a path to the undisputed championship, though the timeline now hinges on Makhachev’s post-Ramadan return. Whether the champion’s delay ultimately costs him goodwill — with fans, the promotion, or both — remains to be seen when UFC 336 arrives in Toronto.