UFC books interim title bout as Makhachev declines January fight
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- The UFC has scheduled an interim welterweight title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for January, as undisputed champion Islam Makhachev declined to fight within that timeframe.
- UFC CEO Dana White explained that Makhachev, who typically fights once a year, postponed his January bout to after Ramadan, which begins in February, delaying his return until at least May.
- UFC 336, set for January 30 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, will be headlined by a flyweight title fight between Joshua Van and Manel Kape, with the interim welterweight title fight as the co-main event.
- Carlos Prates is a dynamic finisher with a 7-1 UFC record, all wins by knockout, including victories over former champions Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards.
- Michael Morales is undefeated with a 19-0 record and a 7-0 UFC record, known for his explosive style and five UFC knockouts, four of which occurred in the first round.
