Carlos Prates calls Islam Makhachev a coward and promises to retire him, after the champion’s absence turns UFC 336 into an interim title fight

Carlos Prates called welterweight champion Islam Makhachev a coward and pledged to retire him after Makhachev's unavailability led to an interim title bout. Prates was initially in discussions to face Makhachev, but the champion informed the promotion he would not be ready to compete on that date. Consequently, Prates will now fight Michael Morales for the interim welterweight championship at UFC 336 on January 30 in Toronto.

Makhachev responded on social media by highlighting his recent victory over Ian Machado Garry, who remains the only fighter to defeat Prates inside the Octagon. UFC CEO Dana White justified creating the interim title to prevent divisional delays, setting up a high-stakes clash between the 24-7 knockout artist Prates and the undefeated 19-0 Morales.