Dana White explains interim title with Islam Makhachev not fighting at UFC 336
UFC President Dana White announced an interim title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for UFC 336 due to Islam Makhachev's inactivity. White expressed frustration with Makhachev's scheduling, noting that the division cannot be held up by a champion who fights only once a year.
Why it matters
This decision reflects the UFC's management strategy to maintain momentum in weight classes when champions are unavailable to defend their belts.
ABU DHABI – Dana White didn't appear too pleased with Islam Makhachev not defending his belt at UFC 336.
All signs were pointing to welterweight champion Makhachev (29-1 MMA, 18-1 UFC) making his next title defense in January before Ramadan starts, but during the UFC 333 broadcast, it was announced that Carlos Prates (24-7 MMA, 7-1 UFC) will face Michael Morales (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) for the interim title in the Jan. 30 headliner at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto ( Paramount+ ).
White highlighted Makhachev's inactivity when stating why an interim title was created.
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