Interim welterweight title fight announced after Islam Makhachev’s withdrawal from UFC 336

An interim welterweight championship bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales has been scheduled for UFC 336 on January 30 in Toronto. The announcement was made during the UFC 333 broadcast after champion Islam Makhachev withdrew from his planned title defense. UFC commentator Jon Anik confirmed the co-headlining matchup alongside a main event flyweight title fight between Joshua Van and Manel Kape.

Makhachev informed the UFC that he would not be ready to compete in January, delaying his return until between May and July due to the timing of Ramadan. Prates enters the interim title matchup following three straight knockout victories, while the undefeated Morales brings a 19-0 record into the 170-pound clash at Scotiabank Arena.