Makhachev Pulls Out of UFC 336, Morales Steps In vs Prates

Islam Makhachev has withdrawn from his planned UFC welterweight title defense against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 in January, and Michael Morales has stepped in to fill the main event slot.

UFC CEO Dana White said Makhachev had verbally agreed to headline UFC 336 against Prates before backing out of the booking. White said he was disappointed by the move, noting it leaves the welterweight title picture stuck in neutral while the champion sits out. No reason for the withdrawal has been confirmed.

With Makhachev out, Prates will instead face Morales, an unbeaten 19-0 welterweight ranked No. 3 in the division. Prates, ranked No. 2 at 170 pounds, enters the fight off a run of highlight-reel knockouts that has made him one of the most dangerous strikers on the UFC roster.

What Morales Stepping In Means for the Welterweight Picture

Morales taking this fight on short notice instantly makes it the most consequential welterweight booking outside of a true title fight. Both men are ranked directly behind the belt, and a win here puts the winner in position to demand the next crack at Makhachev once he returns. For Morales, it's a chance to prove his unbeaten record holds up against the division's hardest-hitting contender. For Prates, it's an opportunity to stay in the title conversation after missing out on the champion.

White's frustration with Makhachev is notable given his public preference for champions to defend their belts regularly. His comments suggest the promotion views this stretch of inactivity at the top of the division as a real problem, not just a scheduling footnote.

Betting Angle

Markets have treated this as a close fight, with Prates opening as a moderate favorite over Morales despite Morales carrying the unbeaten record into the matchup. Prates' knockout power makes him live in literally every round, which tends to keep his odds shorter than a pure record-and-ranking comparison would suggest. Morales' length and output give him a path to a decision if he can avoid Prates' left hand early, but bettors leaning his way are banking on a fight going the distance against a finisher. Expect the number to move as fight week approaches and more public money comes in on Prates given his finishing reputation.

Until Makhachev reveals when he plans to return, the welterweight title itself remains on ice, and Prates vs. Morales now functions as the de facto No. 1 contender fight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't Islam Makhachev fighting at UFC 336?

Islam Makhachev verbally agreed to defend his welterweight title against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 but later withdrew from the booking; UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the pullout but did not give a reason for it.

Who is Carlos Prates fighting now that Makhachev is out of UFC 336?

Carlos Prates will now face Michael Morales at UFC 336 after Islam Makhachev withdrew from the planned title fight.

What is Michael Morales' record heading into UFC 336?

Michael Morales enters UFC 336 with an unbeaten 19-0 record and is ranked No. 3 in the UFC welterweight division.