says Dana White Islam Makhachov initially hoped for its own protection
Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title in January but now wants to return after Ramadan next year.
After talking to reporters
UFC 333 on Saturday, the UFC CEO explained the booking decision
Carlos Prates against Michael Morales for the temporary title and criticized Makhachev’s actions.
Dana White says Islam Makhachov’s return after Ramadan prompted Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales at UFC 336.
Prates and Morales meet at UFC 336 January 30, 2027 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The winner would face Makhachov in a title unification bout, potentially next summer.
White said Makhatchov’s change of plans prompted the promotion to institute the interim championship.
“On average, Islam fights like once a year, and he was set for January and then said, ‘I don’t want to fight until Ramadan,”’ White said. “You just can’t sustain divisions like that. You have to move on. And this fight makes sense.”
When asked if Makhachov gave a reason for abandoning the January date, White replied:
“No, no reason.”
