UFC

UFC Veteran Says Islam Makhachev Row Exposes Muslim Champs Issue

Islam Makhachev’s UFC 336 withdrawal apparently over Ramadan sparks a massive controversial rant about Muslim champions from UFC veteran Brendan Schaub.

ByPranav Pandey

Brendan Schaub has sparked controversy with a sweeping attack on Islam Makhachev’s championship status, arguing that the UFC should not have Muslim champions after the welterweight titleholder declined a proposed January fight.

The former UFC heavyweight believes Makhachev received preferential treatment when his planned matchup against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 fell through.

“Big Brown’s” criticism went beyond the champion’s scheduling decision, taking aim at his religion and questioning whether the promotion should accommodate fighters whose religious observances affect their availability.

Makhachev had been expected to face Prates on January 30 in Toronto. The UFC instead booked Prates against Michael Morales for the interim welterweight championship after Makhachev indicated he would not compete in January.

Brendan Schaub Questions Islam Makhachev’s UFC Championship Status

Speaking about the situation on his YouTube channel, Schaub accused the UFC of showing deference to Makhachev rather than stripping him of the championship when he declined the proposed date.

That’s why he’s not your f*cking GOAT… Islam Makhachev decided not to fight. They should have stripped his ass, but they still bend the knee to him. Islam was supposed to fight Carlos Prates in Toronto on January 30. That was the plan, and everyone was on board. All of a sudden, Islam goes, ‘No Ramadan, I’m not gonna fight.’ You can’t have champs of that religion,” Schaub said.

DC Is Glazing the WRONG Guy! | UFC 333 Recap | BBB Ep. 547

DC Is Glazing the WRONG Guy! | UFC 333 Recap | BBB Ep. 547

Makhachev’s availability around Ramadan was one factor in the proposed January date falling apart. Ramadan is expected to begin in February 2027, and the Russian champion wanted to compete after the observance rather than fight in January.

The 35-year-old has also offered a sporting justification for the interim title matchup. He argued that Prates and Morales should face each other to establish the leading contender, with the winner earning a shot at the undisputed championship. He pointed to Prates’ loss to Ian Machado Garry, whom Makhachev subsequently defeated, as part of his reasoning.