Makhachev Explains Why Prates-Morales Decides His Next Foe

Islam Makhachev says he is skipping a title defense against Carlos Prates in January because he wants to see Prates settle things with Michael Morales first. The UFC welterweight champion will instead sit out UFC 336, where Prates and Morales now meet for an interim belt, with Makhachev set to face the winner at a later date.

Makhachev had been widely expected to defend his title against Prates at UFC 336, but the promotion confirmed that pairing is off. In its place, Prates and Morales will fight for the interim welterweight championship, and whoever wins will unify the title against Makhachev.

Why Makhachev wants Prates and Morales to fight first

Makhachev argues neither man has fully earned a shot at him right now, and he wants their matchup to sort out the real contender. He noted that Prates is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Ian Machado Garry, a fighter Makhachev beat in August, which he feels complicates Prates' case for an immediate title shot. At the same time, he pointed out that Morales has not fought since November 2025 and would be jumping the line without a fresh win.

"Prates and Morales will fight to determine who is a true worthy contender," Makhachev told Pound4Padel. "And I will fight the winner. It's good, it makes it more interesting. They offered me a fight against Prates, who recently lost to someone I beat. And if I beat him, Morales would already be next in line, who is not fighting and waiting for a title shot. Just let them fight and we will figure out who is the real challenger."

What Prates and Morales bring into the interim title fight

Carlos Prates has finished all seven of his UFC wins and has only one loss in the promotion, the decision setback to Garry. Since that defeat, "The Nightmare" has racked up stoppage wins over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena, building a resume that makes him the betting favorite over Morales for UFC 336 according to current market pricing. Michael Morales is unbeaten at 19-0 and finished Sean Brady in his last outing, but the long layoff since November 2025 is clearly a factor Makhachev is using to question his readiness for a title opportunity.

Betting Angle

Markets already have Prates favored over Morales for the UFC 336 interim title fight, and Makhachev's comments reinforce why books see it that way. Prates brings finishing power and momentum from three straight stoppages over ranked names, while Morales carries an undefeated record but real ring rust after over a year away. For bettors looking ahead to a Makhachev unification fight, Prates' recent form against elite competition likely keeps him the live underdog candidate against the champion, while a rusty Morales coming off a long layoff would probably open as a bigger number. Nothing is locked in yet since the winner of Prates-Morales still has to get through each other first, but Makhachev's framing suggests he sees Prates as the more battle-tested threat of the two.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't Islam Makhachev fighting Carlos Prates at UFC 336?

Islam Makhachev turned down defending his welterweight title against Carlos Prates in January, choosing instead to let Prates face Michael Morales for the interim title, with Makhachev fighting the winner afterward.

What is at stake in Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales?

Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will meet for the interim UFC welterweight title at UFC 336, with the winner moving on to unify the belt against champion Islam Makhachev.

What is Carlos Prates' UFC record?

Carlos Prates has finished all seven of his UFC wins, with his only promotional loss coming by unanimous decision to Ian Machado Garry, a fighter Islam Makhachev defeated in August.