UFC CEO Dana White has publicly criticized welterweight champion Islam Makhachev for failing to make his scheduled January 30 defense, stating that the champion’s decision to wait until after Ramadan creates unacceptable stagnation in the division. Speaking at the UFC 333 post-fight press conference in Abu Dhabi, White revealed that Makhachev, who was originally slated to face Carlos Prates, informed the promotion he did not want to fight until after the holy month. “On average, Islam fights like once a year, and he was slated for January and then said I don’t want to fight until after Ramadan,” White told reporters. “You can’t hold up divisions like this. You’ve got to keep moving, and this fight makes sense.”
UFC CEO explains the interim title decision after champion skips January defense for Ramadan
In response to the champion’s absence, the UFC has officially announced an interim welterweight title bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales to headline UFC 336 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. This strategic move ensures the weight class continues to progress while the undisputed champion remains unavailable. The announcement was made during Saturday’s broadcast from Abu Dhabi, where the promotion also confirmed flyweight champion Joshua Van will defend his belt against top contender Manel Kape. By installing an interim champion, the UFC aims to maintain competitive momentum and provide high-caliber matchups for fans without relying on the unpredictable schedule of the current titleholder.
Makhachev, widely regarded as a pound-for-pound great, has not provided a specific reason to White for his delay, though he has acknowledged the situation on social media. The interim title fight sets the stage for a potential unification bout later in 2027, creating a clear path for the division’s next major event. White’s comments highlight the tension between respecting individual athlete schedules and the operational necessity of keeping a global sports promotion active. With the interim belt on the line, Prates and Morales now have a direct route to challenge Makhachev, forcing the champion to re-engage with the roster sooner rather than later.
Source: Yahoo Sports
