Carlos Prates Blasts Islam Makhachev Over UFC 336 Interim Title Bout

The UFC has officially scheduled an interim welterweight title matchup between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for UFC 336, set to take place on Jan. 30 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. Prates had been in discussions with the promotion to fight welterweight champion Islam Makhachev at the event, but the interim bout was created after the Russian fighter informed the UFC that he would not be ready to compete in three months.

Following the announcement, Prates took to social media to voice his frustration with the reigning champion. "Islam Makhachev, I’ve been working toward my dream of becoming a champion for 17 years," Prates wrote in Portuguese, noting that he has knocked out two former champions while Morales has only defeated Sean Brady. Prates directly questioned Makhachev's preparation timeline, stating, "Brother, you don’t drink, you don’t smoke, you don’t party, and you can’t get ready for a fight in three months? On January 30, I’m going to knock out Michael Morales, and then I’ll be back to retire you, you coward!"

Prates enters the contest on a three-fight winning streak in the UFC, with all three victories coming by knockout. Morales remains undefeated in his professional career at 19-0, including seven wins inside the Octagon. Makhachev later responded on social media, pointing to his recent victory over Ian Machado Garry—the only fighter to defeat Prates in the UFC—stating, "I just beat the guy who chased you around the octagon for five rounds.

See you soon. #maybe," while adding that he would return once the division determines the true contender.