Dana White Explains Interim Welterweight Title Fight at UFC 336

The UFC has officially booked Carlos Prates against Michael Morales for an interim welterweight title at UFC 336. The promotion originally planned for reigning welterweight champion Islam Makhachev to defend his belt against Prates in the main event, but the champion suddenly became unavailable, prompting the promotion to create an interim championship.

Speaking at the UFC 333 post-fight press conference, UFC CEO Dana White explained the decision to keep the weight class active rather than waiting for the undisputed champion to return. White stated that Makhachev gave no specific reason for delaying his return, dismissing speculation that an injury was the cause.

"On average, Islam fights like one time a year," White said. "He was slated for January and then said 'I don’t want to fight until after Ramadan.' You can’t hold up divisions like this. You’ve got to keep moving and this fight makes sense."

Makhachev last competed in August, earning a unanimous decision victory over Ian Machado Garry. With Ramadan observed from Feb. 8 to March 8 in 2027, Makhachev is not expected to compete during that window.

While the UFC 333 broadcast noted Makhachev could be ready to return by May, the UFC chose to move forward with Prates vs. Morales, with the winner expected to face Makhachev upon his return to unify the titles.