Islam Makhachev's wait for next fight likely down to money, says Dana White

The UFC CEO said he would like champions to fight twice a year, with Carlos Prates and Michael Morales now facing each other for an interim welterweight belt at UFC 336 in January.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Thu 5 Nov, 09:11 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Dana White believes money is the most likely reason Islam Makhachev will not fight again until after Ramadan, the UFC CEO told The Mac Life on Wednesday.

Makhachev's wait has led to the creation of an interim welterweight title. Despite rumours that the champion would defend against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 in January, the UFC announced last month during UFC 333 that Prates will instead face Michael Morales for the interim belt.

White made clear that he would like the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport to be more active. He said: “Being the champ, I don’t really expect you to fight three times a year, but twice would be nice.” He added: “What you start to do is back up the division, because lots of guys would like a shot at the title.” White said young, hungry fighters want to compete often because they want to get paid, but those who have earned enough do not have to fight all the time. He also allowed that a fighter with Makhachev's achievements may have other considerations, saying: “I think when you get to a position where he’s at and what he’s accomplished, who knows what he’s thinking or what he wants to do next?” Makhachev has commented a few times since the announcement, first suggesting that Prates needed to prove himself more and then teasing a possible retirement in the near future.

The two-division champion has gone 18-1 in the UFC since joining in 2015. He fought twice last year, defending the lightweight title at UFC 311 and winning the welterweight title at UFC 322.

In this story

Islam Makhachev Carlos Prates Michael Morales