Colby Covington says Carlos Prates and Michael Morales 'aren't worthy' of an interim title

Covington told MMA Junkie that Michael Morales 'has fought nobody', but he still picks Carlos Prates to win their UFC 336 fight in Toronto on 30 January.

Colby Covington says Carlos Prates and Michael Morales should not be fighting for the interim UFC welterweight title, and that champion Islam Makhachev deserves time to return after Ramadan.

"Those guys aren't worthy to be fighting for an interim title. What have those guys done?" Covington told MMA Junkie. "Michael Morales has fought nobody. He's been tested by nobody."

Covington said Morales has had "an impressive win streak and some nice showcasing wins", but no "premier marquee matchup" against a former champion or a title challenger. He added: "So I don't think that deserves to be an interim title, but that's why the UFC and Hunter Campbell are so great at what they do, and they see something, and they know something."

Makhachev defended his title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August, and Covington said the champion should be given time: "Give him a little time to get through Ramadan." UFC president Dana White has said Makhachev did not want to fight until after Ramadan.

Covington picks Prates to win. "I think Prates is a little cleaner striking," he said. "Morales swings recklessly, and I just don't think he'll be ready for Prates' pinpoint accuracy." He also said he was "not discrediting Morales because he's a great fighter".

Prates and Morales meet for the interim title at UFC 336 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on 30 January. Morales is unbeaten at 19-0, while Prates goes into the fight on three straight knockout wins, including victories over former champions Jack Della Maddalena and Leon Edwards.

READ NEXTCarlos Adames to fight Gerome Warburton in Zuffa Boxing 13 main event in RiyadhRead the next story →

Every UK fight result and what's next, every Friday. Get the free UK fight briefing

Add Combat Sports UK as a preferred source on Google