Makhachov was expected to defend himself
Ultimate Fighting Championship title against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 on January 2027. Instead, Prates will face off Michael Morales for the intermediate belt. The reigning champion is advocating for the two contenders to meet before challenging him.
Islam Makhachov backs Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales to determine his next welterweight contender
Makhachov (29-1) objected to Prates’ loss Ian Garrywhom he defeated in August.
The Russian also questioned whether Morales (19-0), who has not competed since November 2025, should get a title shot without another fight. He believes a matchup between Morales and Prates (24-7) will set up the next challenger.
“Prates and Morales are fighting to determine who is the real worthy candidate,” Makhachov told Pound4Padel. “And I’ll fight (the winner). That’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 be the next one to not fight and wait (for a title shot). Let them fight and we’ll find out who the real challenger is.”
Prates has stopped all seven of his UFC wins, with his only successful loss coming last year by unanimous decision against Garry. “The Nightmare” has since stopped Geoff Neal,
Leon Edwards and As Jack Della Maddalena. Morales finished Sean Brady
in his last performance.