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UFC 336: Why Islam Makhachev’s absence doesn’t warrant interim title

UFC 336 will feature a flyweight title defense by Joshua Van against Manel Kape, alongside an interim welterweight championship bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. The decision to introduce an interim belt for the welterweight division has drawn criticism, as undisputed champion Islam Makhachev is expected to return by May and lacks a serious injury designation.

While the promotion aims to generate interest for the January event in Toronto, the move is viewed by some as unnecessary given the champion's relatively short projected absence. Meanwhile, recent results from UFC 333 saw Alexander Volkanovski defeat Movsar Evloev via second-round TKO, while Petr Yan secured a unanimous decision victory over Merab Dvalishvili.

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