UFC 336: Islam Makhachev out of Toronto plans as Prates-Morales title fight is announced

October 24, 2026 NOWLIVO

Islam Makhachev’s planned welterweight title defense against Carlos Prates will not take place at UFC 336. The UFC announced Saturday that Prates will instead fight unbeaten Michael Morales for the interim welterweight championship at the January 30, 2027, event in Toronto.

The announcement gives the card a new title fight after reports on Friday said the January date no longer worked for Makhachev. The UFC had not officially announced Makhachev versus Prates as a booked bout, so this is a change to its reported plans rather than the cancellation of an advertised fight.

What changed on the UFC 336 card

Prates remains on the card, but his opponent and the title at stake have changed. Rather than challenge Makhachev for the undisputed 170-pound championship, the Brazilian will meet Morales for an interim belt. Makhachev remains the welterweight champion.

The UFC also announced a flyweight title fight between champion Joshua Van and Manel Kape for the Toronto event. UFC 336 is scheduled for Scotiabank Arena.

Reports on October 23 said Makhachev and Prates had been the intended Toronto pairing, but that the UFC was looking elsewhere because the date no longer worked for Makhachev. A specific reason for his absence has not been established. No date or opponent has been announced for his next fight.

Prates gets a different path to the champion

The change means Prates can still compete for a UFC title in Toronto, though a win over Morales would make him an interim champion rather than the undisputed champion. It also puts another leading welterweight directly in his path.

Prates has built his title case with knockout wins over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. Morales enters the matchup unbeaten, with recent first-round stoppages of Neil Magny, Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady.

Makhachev won the welterweight championship from Della Maddalena in November 2025 and defended it against Ian Machado Garry in August 2026. For now, the newly announced interim fight gives the division a title contest while the timing of Makhachev’s next defense remains unsettled.