“He Chickened Out” – Carlos Prates Mocks Islam Makhachev’s Active Champion Promise After UFC 336 Snub

November 4, 2026

Carlos Prates has not held back in his criticism of Islam Makhachev after the latter pulled out of their planned UFC 336 welterweight title bout in Toronto. Makhachev, who was set to defend his championship against Prates on January 30, cited an overcrowded division as his reason for backing out, arguing that Prates and Michael Morales should first settle their own No.

1 contender dispute. The decision sparked immediate backlash, with Prates calling it a display of cowardice and vowing to make Makhachev pay once he secures the interim welterweight title against Morales.

"He chickened out," Prates remarked, emphasizing his frustration at the delay to his 17-year dream of becoming champion. With the UFC now moving forward with Prates vs.

Morales, the Brazilian fighter has made it clear that his focus will shift back to Makhachev once the interim title is in hand, promising a decisive response to what he sees as a betrayal of his contract and professional obligations.