UFC 336: Prates faces Morales for interim welterweight title Jan. 30

The UFC created the interim title after Islam Makhachev, who had been slated to defend against Prates in Toronto, passed on the January date. White said Makhachev fights about once a year and that divisions cannot be held up. He added that the champion gave him no reason beyond waiting until after Ramadan. Both fights were announced during the UFC 333 broadcast, and White spoke at the post-fight press conference in Abu Dhabi.

The broadcast mentioned that Makhachev could be ready as soon as May, but the UFC chose not to wait. Some outlets speculated about an injury, but White was firm that none was cited. Makhachev's only public explanation was a post on X saying he would be back once it is clear who the real contender is.

The feud turned heated quickly. Prates wrote on Instagram that he would knock out Morales and then come back to retire the champion. Makhachev replied on X by pointing to Prates' loss to Ian Machado Garry, whom Makhachev beat at UFC 330: "Shut up and go train. You're not on my level." Makhachev's manager Ali Abdelaziz then told challengers to talk less, according to Knockout Daily, and the Makhachev camp gave no new date.

Morales is unbeaten and last fought in November at UFC 322, stopping Sean Brady in round one. Prates has won three straight since the Garry loss, including knockouts of former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena.