RUMOR UFC 336: Makhachev reportedly out of Prates title fight, UFC seeks new headliner

Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev will not defend his title against Carlos Prates atop UFC 336, according to Brazilian outlet Ag Fight and Ariel Helwani. The fight was the UFC's plan for the January 30 card in Toronto but was never signed. "Date doesn't work for Makhachev anymore. Unclear why," Helwani wrote, adding that the UFC is looking elsewhere.

Asked about the reports on Nina Drama's Kick stream during a Power Slap event, Dana White smiled, called it interesting and changed the subject. Earlier in the week, Makhachev's manager had said the Prates fight was not close to being finalized.

The timing matters because Makhachev typically does not fight during Ramadan, which pushes his return back by several months. That leaves Prates, who signed a new eight-fight deal and was told he was next, without a date.

Replacement ideas remain speculation. Heavy floated Prates against Michael Morales, possibly for an interim title, or against Shavkat Rakhmonov, along with a Natalia Silva vs. Jasmine Jasudavicius rematch and Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov. Knockout Daily noted that no source has reported a contract, date or talks involving Rakhmonov.