Della Maddalena Backs Prates-Morales Interim Title Fight

Jack Della Maddalena says the Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales interim welterweight title fight at UFC 336 is the right move for a division stuck waiting on Islam Makhachev. The former 170-pound champion, who lost his belt to Prates by stoppage at UFC Perth in May, gave his blessing to the matchup during an appearance on Bedtime MMA.

"I think it's a great fight," Della Maddalena said. "I think it's good for the division. I would think Prates is next in line, so I think it's a good fight. It clears up the division, it shows who the No. 1 contender is, and it's good timing."

No. 1-ranked Carlos Prates (24-7) meets No. 3-ranked Michael Morales (19-0) in the UFC 336 co-main event on Jan. 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The winner claims the interim welterweight title and the first crack at Makhachev once the champion returns, which Della Maddalena does not expect until the middle of next year.

Why Della Maddalena Likes Prates to Win

Della Maddalena gave a specific read on how the stylistic matchup plays out, even as he stopped short of picking a winner outright. "I don't know who's going to win," he said. "I feel like Prates probably has more tools to get the win, but Morales is a big, powerful guy with a different sort of size. So I think it'll be an interesting fight." That's a notable take given Della Maddalena has firsthand experience with Prates' power, having been finished by the Brazilian just months earlier. His comments also double as validation for the UFC's decision to fast-track a fresh No. 1 contender fight rather than making him wait on the sideline for Makhachev.

Betting Angle

Carlos Prates opened as the betting favorite over Michael Morales at -175, with Morales sitting at +145, a gap that reflects respect for Morales' unbeaten record and physical size at 170 pounds without treating this as a mismatch. That lines up with Della Maddalena's own assessment that Prates carries the more well-rounded toolkit, but Morales' power and frame make this anything but a lock. Bettors weighing the interim title fight should expect the number to keep moving as fight week approaches, but the current market treats Prates as a moderate, not overwhelming, favorite.

UFC 336 is headlined by Joshua Van defending his flyweight title against Manel Kape, a fight the market also sees as close. No other bouts have been officially announced for the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is fighting for the interim UFC welterweight title at UFC 336?

Carlos Prates (24-7) faces Michael Morales (19-0) for the interim welterweight title in the UFC 336 co-main event on Jan. 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

What did Jack Della Maddalena say about Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales?

Jack Della Maddalena called the fight great for the welterweight division, saying Prates probably has more tools to win but that Morales' size and power make it a genuinely competitive matchup.

Who is favored in the Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales betting odds?

Carlos Prates opened as the betting favorite over Michael Morales at -175 to +145 for their UFC 336 interim welterweight title fight.