Islam Makhachev gave UFC no reason for January exit, Prates' manager says

Islam Makhachev gave UFC no reason for January exit, Prates' manager says

Carlos

Prates’ manager, Lucas Lutkus, says Islam

Makhachev declined a proposed January title defense against the

Brazilian without explaining his decision to the

Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Prates was expected to challenge Makhachev for the undisputed welterweight championship at UFC 336 on Jan. 30, 2027, in Toronto. Instead, he will face Michael Morales for the interim title.

Speaking to MMA Fighting, Lutkus said the UFC had told Prates’ team to prepare for Makhachev and that the Brazilian immediately accepted.

“Islam said at the press conference that he wanted to fight before Ramadan,” Lutkus said, “And the UFC had…