Islam Makhachev questions Prates & Morales' UFC title shot credentials

Islam Makhachev believes an interim title fight will clarify the next challenger for his welterweight championship. Makhachev had been expected to defend his Ultimate Fighting Championship title against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 in January 2027. Instead, Prates will face Michael Morales for the interim belt. The reigning champion supports having the two contenders meet before challenging him.Islam Makhachev backs Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales to determine his next welterweight challenger Makhachev (29-1) pointed to Prates’ defeat against Ian Garry, whom he beat in August. The Russian also questioned whether Morales (19-0), who has not competed since November 2025, should receive a title shot without another fight. He believes a matchup between Morales and Prates (24-7) will establish the next challenger. “Prates and Morales will fight to determine who is a true worthy contender,” Makhachev told Pound4Padel. “And I will fight [the winner]. It’s good; it makes it more interesting. They offered me a fight against Prates, who recently lost to someone I beat. And if I beat him, Morales would already be next in line, who is not fighting and waiting [for a title shot]. Just let them fight and we will figure out who is the real challenger.” Prates has finished all seven of his UFC victories, with his only promotional defeat coming by unanimous decision against Garry last year. “The Nightmare” has since stopped Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena. Morales finished Sean Brady in his most recent appearance. View this post on InstagramA post shared by @pound4padel.ru