UFC 336: Why Islam Makhachev’s absence doesn’t warrant interim title

UFC 333 is in the books. The card delivered everything an outstanding fight card should: title fights, close five-round wars, and highlight-reel finishes. 

Alexander Volkanovski further proved why he’s the greatest featherweight of all time, handing Movsar Evloev his first career loss with a second-round TKO.

MORE: Alexander Volkanovski vs. rising contender: more fights to make after UFC 333

Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili left it all in the octagon in capping their trilogy, with Yan rallying for a unanimous-decision win. By winning the last two of the three, Yan set up a different rematch against Sean O’Malley. 

The fights were sensational, and there’s a case to be made for this being card of the year, but that’s not the only takeaway from the event. 

Before UFC 333, rumors were flying about welterweight champion Islam Makhachev’s return. Multiple reports said he’d headline UFC 336 in Toronto in January of next year. That’s not the case anymore, though. 

Announced on the broadcast by Jon Anik, UFC 336 is headlined by two title fights. In the main event, flyweight champion Joshua Van returns for his third title defense against No. 1 contender Manel Kape. 

The co-main event is where things get weird. Carlos Prates will face Michael Morales for the interim welterweight title. Both fighters deserve a title shot, but it was clear Prates was going to fight Makhachev next. 

There’s no need for an interim title

Islam Makhachev fought just over two months ago, in August, at UFC 330 in Philadelphia. No serious injury has been reported, so he won’t be out for an extended period of time.

While it’s unfortunate to see Makhachev less active than he said he would be, an interim title feels cheap in this scenario. 

The UFC is only attaching a belt to this fight to build hype for UFC 336. This isn’t a scenario where the undisputed champion is out for a long time or suspended. 

Makhachev isn’t fighting until after Ramadan—around the beginning of March—so he could be ready as early as May of next year. 

It’s a horrible look if there’s an interim title in January and then the undisputed champion comes back less than five months afterward. 

Even without an interim title attached to this fight, everyone watching would know that the winner will face Makhachev. This undermines the undisputed title and shows a lack of consistency in how the UFC operates. 

Carlos Ulberg won the light heavyweight title in February 2026, but in the process, he tore his ACL. That’s a situation calling for an interim title, but there’s been nothing but crickets on such a designation at 205 pounds. 

Ultimately, the fight will be awesome regardless, so that’s what matters most. Prates and Morales are a dream matchup for fans of high-level striking. It’s a fight where a knockout feels inevitable.

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