Islam Makhachev explains why he's not defending UFC title in January
MMA Junkie • • sports
Key Points:
- Islam Makhachev declined a title defense fight against Carlos Prates, stating that Prates is not yet a worthy challenger after recently losing to Ian Machado Garry, whom Makhachev has defeated.
- Instead, an interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and undefeated contender Michael Morales has been scheduled to determine the next true challenger for Makhachev's UFC welterweight title.
- This decision likely delays Makhachev's next fight until after the interim title bout, potentially pushing his return to the summer of 2027, missing the period before the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
- Carlos Prates has rebounded from his loss with three consecutive knockout wins over notable fighters, while Michael Morales remains undefeated with recent stoppage victories over top contenders.
