Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates No Longer Targeted for UFC 336
Islam Makhachev’s anticipated welterweight title defense against Carlos Prates is no longer being targeted for UFC 336, leaving the promotion searching for another main event in Toronto.
The UFC had reportedly planned for Makhachev to defend his championship against the Brazilian contender on January 30, 2027, at Scotiabank Arena. However, those plans have now changed.
According to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, who confirmed the news following an initial report from AG Fight, the UFC is exploring other options.
“That was originally the hope/plan, but I’m told the UFC is looking elsewhere now,” Helwani wrote on X on October 23.
“Date doesn’t work for Makhachev anymore. Unclear why.”
Helwani added that there is currently no word on who the promotion is targeting as a replacement.
UFC 336 Main Event Plans Take an Unexpected Turn
The development follows recent comments from Makhachev’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who pushed back on speculation surrounding a January return.
Although Makhachev and Prates were being discussed as potential opponents, the matchup was never officially announced or finalized.
Makhachev became a two-division UFC champion after defeating Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 in November 2025. He followed that performance with a successful welterweight title defense against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August 2026.
Prates, meanwhile, has established himself as one of the division’s most dangerous contenders.
The Brazilian currently holds the No. 1 spot in the welterweight rankings and has won three consecutive fights by knockout, defeating Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and Della Maddalena.
What’s Next for Islam Makhachev and UFC 336?
With the January date no longer working for Makhachev, questions remain about when the champion will return and whether Prates will still receive the next title opportunity.
The situation also leaves UFC 336 without a publicly identified headliner as the promotion prepares for its first Toronto event since January 2024.
For now, the UFC has not announced a replacement main event, and the reason behind Makhachev’s scheduling change remains unknown.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 23, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.