UFC Books Interim Welterweight Title Fight — SkimNews
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- UFC booked an interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for January 30, 2025, after Islam Makhachev declined to fight by that timeline without stating a reason.
- Dana White said Makhachev, who fights on average once per year, was scheduled to headline UFC 336 but requested to delay his next bout until after Ramadan, which begins in February 2025.
- Islam Makhachev responded on X that he will return 'as soon as we find out who the real contender is,' signaling openness to a future defense but not before mid-2025.
- Carlos Prates (24-7) enters the interim title fight 7-1 in the UFC, with all wins coming by knockout, including victories over former champions Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards.
- Michael Morales (19-0) remains undefeated in the UFC at 7-0, with five knockouts—four in the first round—establishing him as one of the division’s most explosive contenders.
- UFC 336 will take place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, with the flyweight title bout between Joshua Van and Manel Kape now promoted to main event status.
Why it matters: The UFC must act to keep the welterweight division moving, as Makhachev’s absence for at least five months risks stalling title contention; Prates and Morales now have a direct path to gold, with the winner likely facing the undisputed champion by late 2025.
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