Islam Makhachev withdrawing from negotiations for UFC 336 has sparked significant debate in the MMA community this month. The welterweight champion was initially slated to defend his title against Carlos Prates on the January 30 card in Toronto.
Championship Mindset and Scheduling
Makhachev instead suggested that Prates and Michael Morales should determine the top contender inside the Octagon before receiving a title shot. He also hinted at the twilight of his career and potential retirement, drawing criticism from Dana White and Prates, who accused him of holding up the division and avoiding a matchup.
Daniel Cormier rejected the idea that Makhachev is ducking Prates during a video on his YouTube channel. Cormier stated, “Yes, Carlos Prates is frustrated, but on the other hand you have a champion – a long-reigning champion that recognizes the dangers of who he’s going to fight and the dangers of what’s at stake every time he does fight.”
Cormier noted that Makhachev’s fight frequency is consistent with most titleholders, contrasting it with anomalies like Merab Dvalishvili competing four times in 2025. Acknowledging potential bias, Cormier added, “Now I know people are going to say, ‘Well, DC, of course you’re going to defend Islam.’ It’s not about defending him. I’m giving you an inside perspective of a champion’s mindset and what you feel whenever you have these opportunities.”
Focus on Upcoming Bouts
Cormier maintained that Makhachev harbors no fear of the Brazilian challenger, asserting, “I listed those champions, but you can go down the line, and you will find more champions than not that are not Merab Dvalishvili fighting every single weekend. Islam’s not afraid, though. He’s not afraid. He’d probably fight Carlos Prates in the octagon, outside the octagon, in wrestling. He’d fight him anywhere. So would Prates.”
Cormier advised Prates to concentrate on his immediate challenge against Morales rather than engaging in a war of words with the champion. He explained, “Prates needs to handle the Morales issue, though. I would encourage him to forget about Islam right now, because you don’t get to him unless you get through Morales. Forget about him.”
With Ramadan beginning on February 8, Makhachev will observe the month-long fast, opening a potential return to the Octagon around mid-2027.
