Carlos Prates will not be challenging Islam Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title, a decision that surprised everyone involved. Instead, Prates will face Michael Morales for an interim championship at UFC 336 on January 30 in Toronto. According to Prates’ manager Lucas Lutkus, Prates was assured a title shot right after he knocked out former champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth in May, well before Makhachev defended his title against Ian Machado Garry.
Prates accepted the January fight date against Makhachev shortly after UFC 330, a detail confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White. Lutkus explained that Makhachev expressed a desire to fight before Ramadan began on February 7, and the UFC had planned the bout for early January accordingly. Makhachev had emphasized his urgency to compete before Ramadan due to his age and lack of injury.
However, the situation shifted on October 20 when the UFC informed Lutkus that Makhachev would be unable to fight in January. No injury was reported, just Makhachev stating he wouldn’t be ready. Consequently, the UFC decided to keep their promise that Prates’ next fight would be for a title, arranging for him to fight Morales for the interim belt instead.
Lutkus expressed confusion about Makhachev’s change of heart, noting that the UFC was also unclear on the reasons since Makhachev had previously endorsed Prates as the rightful contender. Recently, Makhachev suggested Prates and Morales should compete to determine a “true worthy contender,” a stance that clashes with his earlier comments supporting Prates. Lutkus believes Makhachev’s sudden reversal isn’t due to fear of facing Prates but remains unexplained, leaving the UFC somewhat frustrated.
From a financial perspective, Morales replacing Makhachev does not affect Prates’ earnings. Lutkus disclosed that Prates is receiving the highest payday of his career and is likely the second-highest-paid Brazilian fighter in the UFC behind only Gilbert Burns. Even for non-title fights, Prates is guaranteed a seven-figure purse.
Regarding retirement, Prates, 33, had previously hinted he might retire by age 35 or 36, given his extensive martial arts background, which includes over 100 Muay Thai matches. However, Lutkus noted that Prates’ mindset has shifted significantly. Now, with a more manageable fight schedule—potentially once or twice a year—Prates is eager to continue competing and feels his body can handle this slower pace.
Prates had an impressive debut year in the UFC, winning Rookie of the Year honors with four consecutive knockout wins, each earning him performance bonuses. He nearly secured a fifth fight in 2024 but was sidelined due to a broken foot, which the UFC doctor ruled against competing with.
Morales, an undefeated 19-0 fighter from Ecuador, has stepped in as Prates’ opponent. He is 7-0 in the UFC with several knockout wins and is considered a suitable alternate if Makhachev requires more time before facing Prates. Morales primarily relies on striking over wrestling, which contrasts with Makhachev’s style. Lutkus believes Morales will likely attempt wrestling, as previous opponents were forced to do against Prates, but the pressure level won’t be the same as what Makhachev applies.
Lutkus emphasized that just because Della Maddalena managed to take Prates down doesn’t mean Makhachev would have similar success due to different fighting mindsets. He noted that even if Prates finds himself on the ground against Morales, he has the skills to recover or submit, unlike the more dominant grappling threats from Makhachev. Morales is expected to engage in striking exchanges, where Prates’ experience and power could prove decisive.
Fan Take: This unexpected shake-up highlights the unpredictable nature of the UFC and adds intrigue to the welterweight division, keeping fans guessing about the true hierarchy at 170 pounds. Prates vs. Morales promises an electrifying battle that not only tests a rising star but also reshapes title contention dynamics, influencing future matchmaking and champion legacies in the sport.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
