The Ultimate Fighting Championship could be preparing a massive shakeup for the 170-pound division as early as January 2027. According to recent reports and rumblings throughout the mixed martial arts community, UFC 336 is slated to feature a pair of high-stakes welterweight clashes that could completely redefine the landscape of the weight class. Whispers of the blockbuster card have steadily grown louder, fueled by comments from fighters, insiders, and promotion figures alike.
At the center of the developing narrative is reigning 170-pound champion Islam Makhachev. Rumours indicate that the dominant titleholder is being targeted to defend his belt against surging knockout artist Carlos Prates in the main event of the evening. The event itself is reportedly being discussed for late January 2027, potentially taking place on January 30 in Toronto, according to reports from combat sports journalist Álvaro Colmenero.
Makhachev has previously expressed an interest in keeping a very active schedule before observing Ramadan in 2027, marking "The Nightmare" Carlos Prates as a preferred next test in his championship reign. Prates, for his part, has openly shared his belief that the championship opportunity will materialize in January.
The speculation gained further traction when legendary UFC octagonal announcer Bruce Buffer weighed in on the matchup. During a candid appearance and chat with creator N3On, Buffer confirmed that he has heard the promotion is actively working to book Makhachev against Prates for the welterweight crown. With figures inside the organization and prominent media members pointing toward the same matchup, momentum for the title fight appears to be building rapidly behind the scenes.
However, the championship main event might not be the only attraction drawing the spotlight to the welterweight division at UFC 336. Rumours suggest that the co-main event could feature a long-awaited clash between two of the division’s most formidable undefeated contenders: Shavkat Rakhmonov and Michael Morales.
Rakhmonov, widely known by his moniker "Nomad," has been sidelined from active competition for nearly two years due to a string of consecutive, serious knee injuries. Despite the lengthy layoff, the undefeated contender appears to be well on the mend. Recent clips circulating across digital platforms show Rakhmonov back in the training room and hitting pads, signaling that his long-awaited return to the UFC octagon is rapidly approaching. Previous medical and insider reports have consistently pointed toward an early 2027 comeback for the elite contender.
Standing across from him in these circulating rumors is another dangerous, undefeated powerhouse in Michael Morales. Morales has made no secret of his desire to secure the ultimate test in the division, openly targeting the returning Kazakh star as the next definitive hurdle in his career.
Addressing the divisional logjam and the matchmaking direction, Morales recently delivered a sharp message regarding the title picture and his place in it. Pointing toward the championship landscape, Morales remarked on the potential matchups involving the champion and his peers.
"Islam, if you prefer Prates because you prefer an easy fighter, I have mine for 2027. The final boss of this division, Shavkat Rakhmonov," Morales stated in a message directed at the divisional elite.
In a separate video message that echoed through the MMA community, Morales expanded on his frustrations and ambitions. He directly addressed Makhachev, recalling past remarks made by the champion.
"Islam… you know who I am. You said ‘Morales is way more dangerous’. You also said I need one more fight," Morales said. "About Prates and me, you said ‘let them fight’. Alright, but after that, no more excuses."
If these prospective matchups successfully transition from rumors to official contracts, UFC 336 will deliver a historic night for the welterweight division. Pairing a championship defense between Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates with a high-stakes, undefeated contender eliminator between Shavkat Rakhmonov and Michael Morales would effectively crown the undisputed future of the 170-pound weight class in one unforgettable evening of fights.
