UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev has expressed his full support for the upcoming interim title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, believing the matchup is a necessary step to bring absolute clarity to the division’s next true title challenger.
Makhachev, who boasts an impressive 29-1 professional mixed martial arts record, had originally been expected to step into the Octagon to defend his Ultimate Fighting Championship crown against Carlos Prates at UFC 336, scheduled for January 2027. However, those championship plans shifted behind the scenes, leading matchmakers to instead book Prates against the undefeated Michael Morales for the interim welterweight championship belt. Rather than expressing frustration over the altered timeline or the introduction of an interim belt, the reigning champion has welcomed the booking, viewing it as the ideal way to sort out a congested top tier of contenders.
Islam Makhachev backs Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales to determine his next welterweight challenger
Reflecting on the shifting landscape of the welterweight division, Makhachev pointed specifically to Prates’ recent track record, including a notable defeat against Ian Garry, whom the champion successfully faced and defeated in August. That loss raised questions for the champion regarding the immediate trajectory of the division and whether another definitive test was required before a title shot was officially warranted.
At the same time, the Russian champion raised questions regarding Michael Morales, who brings a pristine 19-0 undefeated record into the contest but has not actively competed inside the Octagon since November 2025. Given the lengthy layoff, Makhachev questioned whether Morales should bypass the typical elimination gauntlet and receive an immediate championship opportunity without taking another high-profile bout first. By pitting Prates and Morales against each other, the division effectively eliminates ambiguity and establishes a definitive, battle-tested challenger for the championship throne.
In a recent interview with Pound4Padel, Makhachev elaborated on his perspective regarding the booking and why it ultimately serves the best interests of the competitive landscape.
"Prates and Morales will fight to determine who is a true worthy contender," Makhachev told Pound4Padel. "And I will fight the winner. It’s good; it makes it more interesting. They offered me a fight against Prates, who recently lost to someone I beat. And if I beat him, Morales would already be next in line, who is not fighting and waiting for a title shot. Just let them fight and we will figure out who is the real challenger."
The matchup between Prates and Morales brings together two of the most dangerous and dynamic fighters currently competing at the elite level of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Carlos Prates has built a fearsome reputation inside the promotion, having finished all seven of his victories under the UFC banner in decisive fashion. His only promotional blemish came via a hard-fought unanimous decision loss to Ian Garry last year, a setback that temporarily halted his meteoric rise.
Demonstrating remarkable resilience and elite-level skill, "The Nightmare" rebounded emphatically from that loss by stringing together a series of statement-making performances. Prates systematically stopped Geoff Neal, former champion Leon Edwards, and surging contender Jack Della Maddalena, proving that his elite finishing instincts translate against the absolute best fighters the weight class has to offer.
Across the cage at UFC 336, he will face a formidable test in Michael Morales. The undefeated contender has steadily cleared out every challenge put in front of him, culminating in a dominant finish over perennial contender Sean Brady in his most recent Octagon appearance. Despite his flawless record and rising momentum, the extended absence from active competition since late 2025 left a window open for the promotion to inject an interim title bout into the division schedule, ensuring that the next challenger enters their championship opportunity on the back of active, high-level competition.
With the interim championship now officially slated for January 2027, the division stands at a fascinating crossroads. The collision between Prates’ devastating finishing power and Morales’ flawless undefeated streak promises to deliver high-stakes drama. For Islam Makhachev, the fight represents the ultimate sorting mechanism, ensuring that whoever finally earns the right to challenge him for the welterweight crown has unquestionably earned their place through elite competition.
