Makhachev says he turned down Prates and will fight the Prates-Morales winner

Islam Makhachev has confirmed he turned down a January title defense against Carlos Prates. In a Russian-language video posted by Pound 4 Padel, the welterweight champion said he will fight the winner of Prates vs. Michael Morales instead. MMA Junkie published his comments on Sunday, October 25.

His reasoning was about the order of contenders. "They offered me a fight with Prates, who recently lost to [Ian Garry], someone I beat," he said, as translated by NY Fights. He added that even if he beat Prates, Morales would already be next in line.

His conclusion, in MMA Junkie's translation:

"Yes, Prates and Morales will fight to determine who is a true worthy contender, and I'll fight the winner."

Sherdog also reported that Makhachev questioned whether Morales, who hasn't fought since November 2025, should get a title shot without another fight.

Saturday's back-and-forth

The video followed a day of criticism. Dana White spoke after UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, October 24. He said Makhachev "was slated for January" but didn't want to fight until after Ramadan, according to CBS Sports.

Asked whether Makhachev gave a reason, White said, "No, no reason," per Sherdog. He also said, "On average, Islam fights like once a year," and "You just can't hold up divisions like this," per Sherdog. Makhachev has fought Renato Moicano, Jack Della Maddalena and Garry since January 2025. That's three fights in 21 months, a little more than once a year.

Prates had already gone after the champion on Instagram, per CBS Sports: "Jan. 30, I'll knockout Michael Morales, and then I'll come back to retire you." Makhachev replied on X, writing, "As soon as we find out who the real contender is, we'll be right back!!!", according to ESPN. Sunday's video was his fuller explanation.

White talked about the date; Makhachev talked about the opponent. His coach, Javier Mendez, gave a third account on the Submission Radio podcast. Makhachev only ever asks for "the time to train properly," Mendez said, adding, "He's never said no to any opponent," according to MMASucka.

Whether the Prates fight was ever signed is unclear. White said Makhachev was "slated," and ESPN reported he was set to headline UFC 336. Makhachev said "they offered me," and UFC.com doesn't list him. We found no reply from White to the video as of Monday.

The interim fight

The UFC announced Prates vs. Morales for the interim welterweight title during Saturday's UFC 333 broadcast, MMA Junkie reported. It's on the main card of UFC 336 on Saturday, January 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Joshua Van vs. Manel Kape for the flyweight title headlines. Makhachev keeps the undisputed belt.

Prates (24-7, 7-1 UFC) has finished all seven of his UFC wins. His only UFC loss was a five-round decision to Garry in April 2025. Since then he has stopped Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and Della Maddalena.

Morales (19-0, 7-0 UFC) won his last three by first-round stoppage, over Neil Magny, Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady. The Brady win came on November 15, 2025, on the same card where Makhachev won the title and Prates beat Edwards.

How they've done as bets

Makhachev is 11-0 at closing odds in UFC fights since 2021, all as the favourite. He closed -345 against Garry. Prates is 7-1; his one loss was that Garry fight, where he closed +140. Morales is 7-0, and his only fight as an underdog was the Brady win at +123.

These are past results at closing prices, not something a bettor could repeat.

We think Makhachev's argument gets a straight answer on January 30. If Prates knocks out an unbeaten Morales, the Garry loss stops being a reason to wait. In September 2024, with Makhachev injured at lightweight, White refused to make an interim title, MMA Junkie reported. This time, with no injury cited, the UFC made one.

Makhachev has no fight or date. Jon Anik said on the broadcast that his next defense would likely come between May and July, Bleacher Report reported. The UFC hasn't confirmed that.