Carlos Prates after knocking out Leon Edwards at UFC 322 | Photo: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect | Source: Lastwordonsports.com - Kshitiz Kumar Singh Kshitiz Kumar Singh · Last Word on Sports Wed, November 4, 2026 at 6:02 AM UTC · 4 min read About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Islam Makhachev's decision to pull out of negotiations for UFC 336 has sparked plenty of controversy. The Dagestani was slated to defend his welterweight title against Carlos Prates on the January 30 card in Toronto.
However, Makhachev backed out, arguing that there were too many contenders in the division and that Prates and Michael Morales should settle the No. 1 contender debate themselves. His decision drew criticism from both the Brazilian and UFC CEO Dana White. Now, Prates and Morales are set to clash for the interim welterweight title in the Great White North.
Since the announcement, Prates has continued to take shots at Makhachev. The Brazilian recently warned that he would ruin the Dagestani's legacy when they eventually meet. A heated exchange with Makhachev's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, also lit up social media, and Prates clearly has no intention of holding back.
In a recent interview with Laerte Viana , Prates accused Makhachev of backing out of their planned UFC 336 title fight. He said, "He comes out saying he wants to be an active champion, this and that. Hunter [Campbell] even said that date was reserved for him. Then he just came out and said he didn't want it. He chickened out."
Although Prates is understandably frustrated with how things played out, he knows he first needs to get past Morales and claim the interim title. Once that's out of the way, he plans to turn his attention back to Makhachev.
He said, "I was pretty pissed off, but what can you do? The situation I'm in now is that I have to beat Morales and win the interim belt. I'm going to focus on him, then I'm going to come back and beat Makhachev twice as hard just to teach him a lesson."
Prates also stressed that Makhachev's decision has delayed a dream he has spent 17 years chasing. The Brazilian is clearly determined to make the Dagestani pay when they finally share the Octagon.
He concluded with, "I've been in this game for 17 years, and when it finally came time for me to fulfill my dream of becoming a champion, this dude pulls some bullsh*t like that. I was really pissed off. Now Morales is going to pay the price [laughs], and then I'm going to get him."
Makhachev recently extended his winning streak to 17 consecutive fights inside the Octagon after beating Ian Garry at UFC 330. Meanwhile, Prates holds a 7-1 UFC record and is riding a three-fight finishing streak, with knockout victories over former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena .
With Makhachev's return potentially pushed back several months to mid-2027, fans could have to wait quite a while to see the pound-for-pound great back in action. Prates, meanwhile, has a golden opportunity to earn his shot at the undisputed championship by beating Morales for the interim belt.
From Abu Dhabi Glory to Rainbet: Alexander Volkanovski's Big Week
Islam Makhachev Teases UFC Retirement, Wants the Best Contenders in His Potential Farewell Stretch
Paddy Pimblett Vows to Make One Major Change in a Potential Justin Gaethje Rematch
Source: Sports
