UFC Books Prates-Morales Interim Title Fight

The UFC has announced that Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will fight for the interim welterweight title at UFC 336, after champion Islam Makhachev was unavailable for a proposed January defense. The event is scheduled for January 30, 2027, in Canada. The promotion announced the bout during the UFC 333 broadcast. The fight gives the two contenders a chance to compete for championship gold while Makhachev remains the undisputed champion. The announcement followed plans for Makhachev to defend his title against Prates, but the champion was not expected to be ready to fight in early 2027. Makhachev has said Prates and Morales should face each other first, with the winner earning a title opportunity. He argued that neither contender had yet established himself enough to merit a shot against him. In posts on X, Makhachev said the fight would identify the real contender and that he would return once that was clear. UFC CEO Dana White said Makhachev had not explained the change in plans. White criticized the champion’s fighting frequency and said the division could not be held up while waiting for his return. White also said Makhachev had been slated to fight in January and wanted...