Colby Covington believes Islam Makhachev should not face criticism for declining to defend his championship at UFC 336. The welterweight titleholder chose not to accept a fight against Carlos Prates on January 30 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, stating he wanted to see Prates face Michael Morales first to establish a definitive challenger.
Covington Questions Interim Title Matchup
The matchup between Prates and Morales is set for the UFC 336 co-main event, but Covington stated in an interview with MMA Junkie that an interim title should not be attached to the bout because Makhachev recently defended his belt against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August.
Covington expressed surprise at the scheduling, noting that Makhachev needs time to complete Ramadan and recover from his previous title defense. “Those guys aren’t worthy to be fighting for an interim title. What have those guys done?” Covington told MMA Junkie.
Covington pointed out that Morales lacks experience against top-tier competition. “Michael Morales has fought nobody. He’s been tested by nobody. He’s had an impressive win streak and some nice showcasing wins, but he hasn’t had, like, a premier marquee matchup, a main event shot with an ex-champ or a title challenger,” Covington stated.
Predictions for Prates vs. Morales
Despite questioning the interim championship status, Covington acknowledged the entertainment value of the matchup, describing it as an engaging striking contest that will likely end in a knockout. He also praised the promotional decision-making behind the scenes.
Prates has opened as a slight betting favorite, and Covington concurs with the assessment of the oddsmakers. “I think Prates is a little cleaner striking,” Covington explained. “Morales swings recklessly, and I just don’t think he’ll be ready for Prates’ pinpoint accuracy.”
At the same time, Covington made it clear he does not discount Morales entirely. “You never know. That’s why they get locked in a cage, and I’m not discrediting Morales because he’s a great fighter, and he’s had some great wins, but I just think that Prates is a little bit cleaner with his striking,” Covington concluded.
