Islam Makhachev turns down January fight with Carlos Prates, wants contenders to face off

MMA Fighting reports the UFC announced Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will fight for an interim welterweight title at January’s UFC 336. Makhachev said he declined a fight with Prates because Morales would still be waiting for a title shot, and wants to face the winner. UFC CEO Dana White said Makhachev chose not to fight until after Ramadan. One commentator criticized the change from Makhachev’s previously stated wish for a quick turnaround.