UFC 336 Could Feature Makhachev vs Prates and Rakhmonov vs Morales in Toronto
Two massive welterweight matchups are in discussions for UFC 336 in January, including a title fight between Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates.
UFC 336 is shaping up to be one of the biggest cards of early 2027. Multiple reports indicate the promotion is working to book a welterweight title fight between champion Islam Makhachev and top contender Carlos Prates for the event, rumored for January 30 in Toronto.
Bruce Buffer said on N3On's Kick show that he has heard the UFC is trying to make the fight happen. Reporter Alvaro Colmenero added that the matchup is being discussed for UFC 336. Prates believes the fight will land in January, and Makhachev has reportedly shown interest in competing before Ramadan 2027.
The co-main event could be just as compelling. Shavkat Rakhmonov, who has been sidelined nearly two years with back-to-back knee injuries, is rumored to face undefeated knockout artist Michael Morales. Recent training footage suggests Rakhmonov is close to full health. Morales has been pushing for the matchup, telling Makhachev in a video message: "Islam, if you prefer Prates because you prefer an easy fighter, I have mine for 2027."
Prates' teammate Jean Silva is already predicting an upset. Speaking to MMA Fighting, Silva said he doubts Makhachev can survive five rounds against Prates' power. "I doubt he can go five rounds without taking a big shot from Prates," Silva said, adding that Prates "knows that the moment he lands his hand, the fight is over."
Silva pointed to Makhachev's willingness to trade strikes with Ian Garry, noting that Garry does not carry the same knockout power as Prates, who has knocked out two former UFC champions back to back. None of the matchups have been officially confirmed by the UFC, per LowKick MMA.
If this card comes together, UFC 336 might be the best welterweight event in years. Makhachev vs Prates is the fight I want to see most in the division right now. Prates has that rare combination of length, power and composure that gives grapplers fits. Two former champs knocked out cold, back to back. That is not a fluke.
But let's not get carried away with the Jean Silva hype. Makhachev is a two-division champion for a reason, and his wrestling changes fights completely. The question is whether Prates can keep it standing long enough to land the shot that matters. I think he can make it competitive, but Makhachev by decision is the smart money until someone proves otherwise.
Rakhmonov vs Morales as a co-main is gravy. Two undefeated finishers with something to prove. If Rakhmonov's knees hold up, that fight is violence from bell to bell. Toronto would be getting a generational card.
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