Carlos Prates Faces Michael Morales at UFC 336 as Daniel Cormier Weighs In

Carlos Prates is preparing for a high-stakes interim welterweight title fight against Michael Morales at UFC 336 in Toronto on January 30, after a planned bout with champion Islam Makhachev was called off. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier has commented on both the matchup and the criticism aimed at Makhachev, saying Prates should keep his focus on Morales.

Prates shifts focus after Makhachev bout falls through

Prates (24-7 MMA, 7-1 UFC) had been scheduled to face Makhachev, the undisputed welterweight champion, at UFC 336. Instead, he will face Morales (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) for the interim title in the event's co-main slot. Prates publicly criticised Makhachev for not taking the fight as originally planned.

Prates lost his only previous UFC bout to Ian Machado Garry in April 2025. He has since won three fights in succession, knocking out Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena, a run that reports say drew the UFC's attention.

Cormier defends Makhachev and warns Prates

Cormier, a longtime friend and teammate of Makhachev, said on his YouTube channel that Prates's frustration is understandable but that the criticism of the champion is not warranted. He argued that most champions are not especially active and noted that Makhachev defended his belt against Garry at UFC 330 in August.

Cormier said he was not defending Makhachev but offering a view of a champion's mindset. He said Makhachev is not afraid of Prates and would fight him anywhere. He also urged Prates to set Makhachev aside until the Morales fight is over.

"Prates needs to handle the Morales issue, though," Cormier said. "I would encourage him to forget about Islam right now, because you don't get to him unless you get through Morales."

Morales presents a serious test

Morales, 27, is undefeated in 19 professional fights and has not lost a bout. Since joining the UFC, the Ecuadorian has beaten several notable opponents, including Sean Brady, whom he stopped in the first round at UFC 322 in November 2025.

Cormier described Morales as very strong, quick and capable of finishing fights early, and said he can punish any mistake. Cormier also said Prates holds a slight edge on paper in experience and resume, though both fighters are well-rounded.

What comes next

The winner of Prates and Morales is expected to face Makhachev later, and Makhachev has said that bout could be one of the last of his career. Cormier said he expects Prates's schedule to slow if he becomes champion, as many title holders take longer breaks between fights. For now, the immediate focus for both men is the January 30 bout in Toronto.

Cormier said Prates could be in line for a title opportunity if he keeps pressing the issue, but the main task is Morales.

Note: Fight details are as reported by the outlets above; official confirmation beyond the UFC 336 card listing was not included in the source material.