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Dana White reveals why interim welterweight title fight is booked for UFC 336: “You can’t hold up divisions like this”

Dana White has detailed his decision to book an interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for UFC 336.

By Fernando Quiles Jr · BJ Penn

Published: Sunday, 25 October 2026 at 6:32 PM

Key Things to Know

Dana White booked an interim welterweight title fight because champion Islam Makhachev opted not to fight before Ramadan.
Carlos Prates will face undefeated contender Michael Morales for the interim belt at UFC 336 on Jan. 30.
White stated that Makhachev typically fights once per year and the UFC cannot allow divisions to be held up.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Dana White announced an interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for UFC 336 on Jan. 30 in Toronto. Speaking at the UFC 333 post-fight press conference, White explained that the division needed to keep moving because champion Islam Makhachev declined to fight before Ramadan after initially being targeted for January.

Prates enters the interim title clash on a three-fight winning streak with stoppage victories over Jack Della Maddalena, Leon Edwards, and Geoff Neal. The undefeated Morales returns following his November 2025 stoppage of Sean Brady, setting up a battle to determine the next undisputed title challenger.

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Dana White reveals why interim welterweight title fight is booked for UFC 336: “You can’t hold up divisions like this”

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