UFC

Carlos Prates Says Islam Makhachev 'Chickened Out' of UFC 336

Carlos Prates accuses Islam Makhachev of chickening out of UFC 336, blasts the welterweight champion, and vows to beat him after facing Michael Morales.

ByPranav Pandey

Carlos Prates has accused Islam Makhachev of backing out of a potential UFC 336 showdown, claiming the welterweight champion was unwilling to face him for the undisputed title.

The Brazilian contender also suggested that Makhachev should relinquish his championship if he is not prepared to compete.

The UFC initially attempted to book “The Nightmare” against Makhachev for the January 30 event in Toronto. However, Makhachev declined the proposed matchup, prompting the promotion to arrange an interim welterweight title fight between Prates and Michael Morales instead.

Carlos Prates Calls Islam Makhachev A Coward

Speaking to Brazilian MMA journalist Laerte Viana, “The Nightmare” did not hold back while discussing the champion’s decision.

He chickened out… I’m going to come back and beat Makhachev twice as badly as I was going to before,” Prates said. “Just so he learns his lesson and stops being such a coward. The UFC was pissed. They didn’t like it. If you don’t have a serious injury and you’re not hurt, then fight man. Your contract is for this. This is your job. If you don’t want to fight, vacate your belt and that’s it. But instead you act like an a**hole. That’s some a**hole sh*t, you know.

You’re unsure whether you’re going to fight in January or not? Then don’t go around talking about it, man. Just stay quiet, fake an injury or something. It would honestly be less bad if you faked an injury and pretended you were hurt.

The Russian has previously defended his decision to decline the proposed fight, questioning Prates’ credentials after the Brazilian suffered a unanimous decision loss to Ian Machado Garry. Makhachev also argued that Morales was already next in line for a title opportunity.

The 170-pound champion’s potential return has also been complicated by Ramadan, which runs from February 7 to March 8, 2027. That could push his next appearance toward the summer, leaving the UFC to determine the division’s interim champion in the meantime.

Makhachev has also recently hinted that his next few fights could be among the final appearances of his career, stating that he wants to face the best available opponent and reaffirm his status as the world’s top fighter.