Islam Makhachev has revealed why he turned down a potential title defense against Carlos Prates, insisting the Brazilian must prove himself against another contender before earning a shot at the undisputed welterweight championship.
Makhachev was expected to defend his belt at UFC 336 on January 30, 2027, but the promotion instead booked Prates against Michael Morales for the interim title. The champion has now explained his position, arguing that the matchup will establish who truly deserves to challenge him next.
Islam Makhachev Questions Carlos Prates’ Title Credentials
Prates suffered his only UFC defeat against Ian Machado Garry in April 2025. Makhachev subsequently defeated Garry by unanimous decision at UFC 330, giving the champion a reason to question whether Prates should have received the next title opportunity without another fight.
Prates and Morales will fight to determine who is a true worthy contender, and I’ll fight the winner,” Makhachev told Pound4Padel.ru. “They offered me a fight with Prates, who recently lost to someone I beat.
Makhachev also pointed out that Morales has been waiting for his own chance to compete for championship gold. In his view, booking the two contenders against each other removes the uncertainty surrounding the division’s next challenger.
If I beat him, Morales would already be next in line, who’s not fighting and waiting for a title shot,” Makhachev added. “Just let them fight, and we will figure out who’s the real challenger.
The comments offer a different perspective from UFC CEO Dana White, who previously said Makhachev did not want to compete until after Ramadan.
White criticized the Dagestani’s activity level and explained that the promotion could not afford to leave the welterweight division waiting.
![WELTERWEIGHT GOLD ON THE LINE IN OUR CO-MAIN 😤🏆🇨🇦 #UFC336
🇧🇷 @TheNightmare170 vs @MichaellMMA 🇪🇨
[ JAN 30 | Main 9pmET | LIVE on @ParamountPlusCA ] https://t.co/r58dIXY82x](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HVaGqs8XEAAC1ej?format=jpg&name=small)
