Dana White: Makhachev 'Can't Hold Up' Division, Interim Title Set
Dana White says Islam Makhachev 'can't hold up' the division, confirming an interim UFC welterweight title fight.
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UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that Islam Makhachev will not defend his welterweight title at UFC 336 as originally planned, clearing the way for an interim welterweight championship bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.
White said Makhachev gave no explanation for pulling out of a January title defense, and that the promotion had no choice but to move on without him. "On average, Islam fights like one time a year," White said at the post-fight press conference. "He was slated for January and then said 'I don't want to fight until after Ramadan.'" "You can't hold up divisions like this. You've got to keep moving and this fight makes sense."
Why an interim title instead of a No. 1 contender fight
White's comments explain the decision to mint a new belt rather than simply booking Prates and Morales as a contender's bout. Original plans for UFC 336 had Makhachev defending his title in the main event against Prates, but suddenly the reigning welterweight champion became unavailable and plans changed for the organization. With Makhachev refusing to commit to a date, the promotion opted to create an interim title to keep the division active rather than leave Prates and Morales fighting for a shot at a champion who isn't working toward a fixed timeline.
Makhachev's layoff adds context to the frustration in White's tone. Makhachev last fought in August, when he scored a unanimous decision victory over Ian Machado Garry in his latest title defense, and while there was speculation that an injury forced a delay in his return, White was adamant that Makhachev gave "no reason" for the pullout.
What this means for Prates and Morales
Carlos Prates now gets his title shot after all, just not against the man he was originally lined up to fight. Facing Michael Morales for interim gold instead of a shot at the undisputed champion changes the stakes only slightly. Whoever wins walks out with a belt and, in all likelihood, the inside track to face Makhachev once he returns from his self-imposed break after Ramadan. For bettors, that makes this fight function almost identically to a true title fight in terms of value and motivation, even if the "interim" label keeps the line from carrying quite the same weight a unification bout would.
The bigger market question is what happens to Makhachev's stock once he does return. A champion who skips a full fight cycle by choice, rather than injury, tends to invite questions about ring rust and matchup risk whenever he comes back, and sportsbooks typically account for that uncertainty by trimming a long-reigning favorite's usual markdown against the next contender in line. Until Makhachev is back on a fight poster, though, all eyes in the welterweight division point to Prates and Morales settling who holds the interim strap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there an interim UFC welterweight title with Islam Makhachev still champion?
Dana White said Islam Makhachev declined to defend his title in January and told the promotion he didn't want to fight until after Ramadan, so the UFC created an interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales to keep the division moving.
Who is fighting for the interim UFC welterweight title?
Carlos Prates is facing Michael Morales for the interim welterweight title after Islam Makhachev became unavailable for his planned title defense.
When did Islam Makhachev last fight?
Islam Makhachev last fought in August, when he beat Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision to defend his welterweight title.
