UFC's White: Interim title bout booked after Makhachev declined without reason

The UFC has announced an interim welterweight title fight scheduled for January between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales, following champion Islam Makhachev's decision to decline a fight during that period without explanation. UFC CEO Dana White noted that Makhachev typically fights once a year and had initially been set to headline UFC 336 on January 30 in Toronto, but opted to postpone his return until after Ramadan, which begins in February.

The interim title bout will serve as the co-main event at UFC 336, which will also feature a flyweight title fight between Joshua Van and Manel Kape. Prates has gained recognition for his finishing ability, boasting a record of 7-1 in the UFC, with all his victories coming by knockout. Morales, who remains undefeated at 19-0, has also shown explosive performance in the Octagon, with five of his seven UFC wins coming via first-round knockouts.