Carlos Prates Frustrated by Islam Makhachev Skipping January Title Fight

Carlos Prates is not hiding his frustration over Islam Makhachev's decision to bypass a proposed Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight title defense in January. The Brazilian contender had hoped to challenge Makhachev for the undisputed championship, but the promotion instead matched him against Michael Morales for the interim title at UFC 336 on Jan. 30.

Speaking on journalist Laerte Viana's YouTube channel, Prates accused Makhachev of stepping away from a bout he had worked years to secure. "When it's finally my turn to live my dream of becoming champion, the guy backs out like that," Prates said. "I think everybody was pissed off about Islam's decision. I was, the UFC was, the people didn't like it." Prates questioned the delayed defense and argued that a champion unwilling to compete should consider vacating the belt.

According to UFC CEO Dana White, Makhachev was originally slated to defend his championship in January but opted to return after Ramadan. Consequently, the promotion created the interim title bout between Prates and Morales, with the winner expected to face Makhachev in a future unification fight. Prates remains confident that Morales will not stop his momentum, stating, "He's a good kid, he wants the same thing I do, but he's going to have to wait a little because it's my turn now."