Prates Rips Makhachev as 'Coward' After UFC 336 Pullout
Carlos Prates blasted Islam Makhachev as a 'coward' after his UFC 336 pullout, setting up an interim title fight with Michael Morales.
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Carlos Prates called Islam Makhachev a "coward" after the UFC welterweight champion withdrew from a planned UFC 336 title fight, with Prates now set to co-headline the Jan. 30 card in Toronto against Michael Morales for an interim belt.
The UFC had been working to book Makhachev against Prates for UFC 336 at Scotiabank Arena, but the promotion announced Saturday during the UFC 333 broadcast that Makhachev would not be ready to fight on that timeline. In his place, Prates will face Morales for the interim welterweight title, with Joshua Van defending his flyweight belt against Manel Kape in the main event.
Prates did not hide his frustration. Writing in Portuguese on social media, he said he has chased a championship for 17 years and accused Makhachev of stalling his title shot. He pointed to his ranking and finishing resume, noting he has knocked out two former champions while Morales' signature win is a decision over Sean Brady. He then needled Makhachev's clean lifestyle, saying a fighter who does not drink, smoke or party should have no trouble being ready in three months, before promising to knock out Morales on Jan. 30 and return to "retire" the champion.
Makhachev fired back, reminding Prates that he just beat Ian Machado Garry, the only fighter to hand Prates a loss inside the UFC. He told Prates to "shut up and go train," said he is "not on my level," and added that once it is clear who the real No. 1 contender is, he will be "right back." Dana White has since addressed Makhachev's status on the card, confirming the champion is off UFC 336 and that the promotion moved to an interim title fight as a result.
What Prates vs. Morales Means for the Title Picture
Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales for the interim welterweight belt instantly becomes the biggest 170-pound fight the UFC can make without Makhachev in the cage. Prates arrives on a three-fight UFC winning streak, all by knockout, and has finished every one of his seven octagon opponents. Morales is unbeaten as a pro at 19-0, with seven straight wins under the UFC banner, his biggest being a decision over Sean Brady. Whoever leaves Toronto with the interim strap will have a legitimate claim to face Makhachev next, and both men clearly know it given how personal the trash talk has already gotten.
Betting Angle
Expect this to open as one of the closer lines on the card given Prates' finishing power against Morales' unbeaten record and physical tools. Prates' stoppage rate makes him live on the feet against anyone, but Morales has shown enough well-rounded defense to survive top-tier strikers before. Bettors should watch for live-round or method-of-victory markets to carry more value than the moneyline once oddsmakers settle the opener, since a fight between a finisher and an unbeaten technician rarely plays out as a simple coin flip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Islam Makhachev not fighting at UFC 336?
Islam Makhachev told the UFC he would not be ready to defend his welterweight title on the Jan. 30 UFC 336 date, prompting the promotion to replace his bout with an interim title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales.
Who is Carlos Prates fighting at UFC 336?
Carlos Prates is now scheduled to fight Michael Morales for the interim UFC welterweight title at UFC 336 in Toronto on Jan. 30, co-headlining below Joshua Van's flyweight title defense against Manel Kape.
What did Carlos Prates say about Islam Makhachev?
Carlos Prates called Islam Makhachev a 'coward' for withdrawing from their planned title fight, questioned why he needed more than three months to prepare, and vowed to beat Michael Morales before eventually facing and 'retiring' Makhachev.
