Islam Makhachev Out for UFC 336 as Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales Headlines Fight Card

Carlos Prates has a new title fight opponent after Islam Makhachev reportedly withdrew from their scheduled fight at UFC 336.

Prates will take on Michael Morales for the interim welterweight championship during the Jan. 30 event in Toronto, the UFC announced Saturday.

Joshua Van will take on Manel Kape for the flyweight title as the card's co-main event.

UFC 336 is set to take place Saturday, Jan. 30 at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena.

When asked about Makhachev potentially being out of the title fight, UFC CEO Dana White said Friday only the initial reports were "interesting."

Commentator Jon Anik said on the Paramount broadcast the UFC had worked initially with Makhachev on scheduling a title defense for January.

"They held that date for them. They informed him earlier this week that he would not be ready to compete, as was previously planned," Anik said.

Anik noted Makhachev's next title defense would likely be pushed to between May and July because of the start of Ramadan in February. White said Saturday Makhachev didn't give a reason for not fighting in January.

Makhachev last defended his welterweight title against Ian Garry at UFC 330 in August. He had complained prior to the bout Morales needed to see more action because there were too many contenders for the belt.

Morales last fought in November 2025, when he defeated Sean Brady for his seventh straight UFC victory UFC 322. Prates was most recently in action in May when defeating former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Fight Night in Perth, Australia.

Van has twice defended his undisputed flyweight title, most recently in September with a win over Alexandre Pantoja at UFC 331. He will look to hold onto his belt against Kape, who is heading into the bout on a streak of four straight TKO victories.