Fighters rush to defend ‘picky and choosy’ Islam for passing on Prates, condemn UFC for pointless interim title
MMA Mania • • sports
Key Points:
- Former UFC bantamweight champion Henry Cejudo supports Islam Makhachev's stance that top contenders should fight each other before facing the champion, praising the potential matchup between Michael Morales and Carlos Prates as a main event on its own.
- UFC President Dana White acknowledges Makhachev's decorated career, including titles in two weight classes and a long winning streak, but notes that Morales and Prates have had minimal activity recently, raising questions about the timing of their fights.
- Retired UFC welterweight Matt Brown sympathizes with Makhachev's selective approach to fights at his level and criticizes the introduction of an interim title so soon after Makhachev's last bout, suggesting it undermines the champion's position.
- The debate highlights tensions around the interim title's relevance and the politics of matchmaking in the UFC, with Makhachev advocating for clarity and fairness in determining his next opponent.
