Islam Makhachev Breaks Silence on UFC 336 Withdrawal Amid Interim Title Backlash

Islam Makhachev has broken his silence after a public spat with the UFC over his decision to withdraw from a scheduled title defense at UFC 336. The welterweight champion was slated to face Carlos Prates in Toronto on January 30, 2027, but will now sit out until after Ramadan, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from fans, a top contender, and even UFC CEO Dana White.

Makhachev was offered a fight against the surging Brazilian contender Carlos Prates for the main event of UFC 336. He initially signaled a desire for a quick turnaround following his last fight in August 2026. However, the Dagestani fighter changed his mind, opting for a longer layoff that would see him return after the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. This pivot led to a heated exchange on social media, with Prates accusing the champion of ducking him. Makhachev countered by stating he did not view Prates as the definitive number one contender, a stance that has fueled the controversy.

The UFC's response was swift and decisive. With Makhachev sidelined, the promotion booked an interim welterweight title fight for the same UFC 336 card. Carlos Prates will now face the undefeated Michael Morales on January 30, with the winner earning the right to challenge Makhachev upon his return. This booking has itself become a point of contention. Prominent MMA insider Ariel Helwani called the interim title "premature," noting that Makhachev had just defended his belt two months prior in August 2026. By the time UFC 336 happens, it will have been a five month layoff, which Helwani argued does not justify an interim strap.

The situation escalated when Makhachev posted training footage online. Fans quickly seized on the video, questioning why he was training if he wasn't ready to fight in January. The backlash wasn't limited to social media. Dana White reportedly delivered a "tirade" following the shock announcement of the interim title, making his displeasure with the champion's decision clear. The UFC CEO's frustration adds a significant layer of pressure on Makhachev, who now finds himself defending his position from multiple angles.

Makhachev's strategy appears to be one of consolidation. In his view, booking Prates versus Morales solves a contender logjam at 170 pounds. He wants the two top contenders to battle it out, creating a clear and undisputed next challenger. This logic, however, has done little to quell the accusations of avoidance. The creation of an interim belt also introduces a new variable. Should Prates or Morales win impressively, they could build substantial momentum and public support, potentially overshadowing the reigning champion during his absence.

Away from the welterweight drama, Makhachev showed support for his compatriot Movsar Evloev, who suffered a knockout loss to Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 333 in Abu Dhabi in late October 2026. Makhachev praised Evloev's graciousness in defeat. That loss sparked debate within the MMA community, with fighters like Paddy Pimblett suggesting Evloev "quit" during the fight. Even Evloev's own teammate, Dustin Poirier, later questioned on the Deep Waters podcast whether the fighter had wanted out after being hurt. Makhachev's public backing of Evloev highlights his role as a senior figure among Russian fighters, even as he handles his own contentious chapter.

• Makhachev withdrew from a UFC 336 title defense against Carlos Prates, opting to return after Ramadan.
• The UFC booked an interim welterweight title fight between Prates and Michael Morales for the January 30 card.
• The decision has drawn criticism from Dana White, fans, and analyst Ariel Helwani, who called the interim belt premature.
• Makhachev believes the contender fight will clarify the division before his return.