Prates calls out Makhachev as Dana White criticizes his inactivity
Carlos Prates accused Islam Makhachev of avoiding a fight, while Dana White criticized his inactivity. An interim title bout is being discussed.
Carlos Prates made harsh statements about Islam Makhachev ahead of UFC 336. He recalled that Makhachev had said he could not be ready for a fight in three months and accused him of avoiding a bout. Prates said he would knock out Michael Morales on January 30 and then return for Makhachev.
Makhachev responded that Prates was not at his level and said they would meet soon. Dana White also voiced frustration with Makhachev's activity. According to White, Makhachev fights about once a year, was supposed to fight in January, but said he would not compete before Ramadan. White said the division cannot be put on hold like this and that an interim title fight makes sense.
Makhachev is the current UFC welterweight champion with a record of 29 wins and 1 loss. He is ranked No. 1 in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. Prates is ranked No. 1 in the welterweight division with a record of 24-7. Morales, unbeaten at 19-0, is ranked No. 3 in the division.
