Islam Makhachev Withdraws from UFC 336 Title Fight Against Carlos Prates
The UFC welterweight champion is out of his scheduled January title defense in Toronto.
Islam Makhachev has withdrawn from his UFC 336 welterweight title defense against No. 1 contender Carlos Prates, per a report from Ag Fight on Friday.
The fight was scheduled for Jan. 30, 2027 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. No reason has been given for the withdrawal, and the UFC has not commented on what happens next with Prates or the event.
Makhachev (29-1) last defended his welterweight title against Ian Garry at UFC 330 in August. He had recently voiced frustration over the number of contenders lining up for a crack at his belt.
Dana White was asked about the report and neither confirmed nor denied it, calling it "interesting." That is about as close to a confirmation as the UFC boss gets before an official announcement.
Prates, the division's top-ranked contender, now finds himself without a dance partner for what was supposed to be the biggest fight of his career. Speculation has already started about whether No. 3 ranked Michael Morales could step in for an interim title fight, but the UFC has not indicated any replacement plans.
Toronto was set to host its first UFC numbered event in years with the Makhachev vs. Prates headliner. Without it, the card loses its centerpiece.
This one stings if you are Carlos Prates, and it stings if you are a fan in Toronto who already bought tickets. Makhachev pulling out with no explanation is never a great look, but I have learned to wait before jumping to conclusions. Could be an injury, could be a contract dispute, could be something personal we will never hear about.
What I do know is that the welterweight division cannot afford to sit still. Prates earned his shot and should not be punished for somebody else withdrawing. If the UFC is smart, they give him Michael Morales for an interim belt and keep that Toronto card alive. Morales is dangerous, the matchup would be fun, and it keeps the division moving.
Makhachev has been dominant, but champions who pull out of fights start losing leverage. Ask any fighter who has been waiting on the sideline: nothing kills momentum like an opponent who is not available.
KEEP TALKING FIGHTS.
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