Carlos
Prates isn’t hiding his anger over Islam
Makhachev’s decision to skip a proposed January
Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title defense.
The Brazilian contender had hoped to challenge Makhachev for the
undisputed championship but will instead face Michael
Morales for the interim belt at UFC
336 on Jan. 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.
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Carlos Prates questions Islam Makhachev’s decision to delay his
return ahead of Michael Morales interim title fight at UFC 336
Speaking on journalist Laerte Viana’s YouTube channel, Prates
accused Makhachev of backing out of an opportunity he had spent
years working toward.
“I’ve been in this game for 17 years. When it’s finally my turn to
live my dream of becoming champion, the guy [Makhachev] backs out
like that,” Prates said. “I think everybody was pissed off about
Islam’s decision. I was, the UFC was, the people didn’t like
it.”
Prates also questioned why Makhachev would delay his next defense
and argued that a champion unwilling to compete should consider
relinquishing the title.
According to UFC CEO Dana White, Makhachev was initially expected
to defend in January but opted to return after Ramadan. The
promotion subsequently booked Prates against Morales for the
interim championship, with the winner expected to challenge
Makhachev in a unification bout.
Prates, meanwhile, is confident Morales won’t derail his
championship ambitions.
“I have nothing against him. He’s a good kid, he wants the same
thing I do, but he’s going to have to wait a little because it’s my
turn now,” Prates said.