Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates may not be happening in the immediate, but the war of words has escalated.
Following Saturday's announcement that he will instead battle Michael Morales in the UFC 336 co-main event Jan. 30 in Toronto, Prates (24-7 MMA, 7-1 UFC) laid into lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, who according to the promotion passed on competing on that date.
"@islam_makhachev I've been working for my dream to be a champion at 17 years old, and now you postponed it," Prates wrote on Instagram in Portuguese. "I'm number 1, I knocked out two former champions while Morales only beat Sean Brady. You told UFC you won't be ready to fight in 3 months. Bro, you don't drink, don't smoke, don't party and can't you prepare for a fight in three
months? Let me show you how it's done. January 30th I'll knock out Michael Morales, and then I'll come back to retire you."
Makhachev hasn't spoken at length about his decision not to fight in January, though he made a few quick comments on social media on Saturday. One clapped back at Prates.
"I just beat the guy [Ian Machado Garry] who chased you around the Octagon for five rounds," Makhchaev wrote on X. "Shut up and go train. You’re not on my level. See you soon."
I just beat the guy who chased you around the Octagon for five rounds. Shut up and go train. You’re not on my level. See you soon . #maybe
— Makhachev Islam (@MAKHACHEVMMA) October 24, 2026
Prates vs. Morales (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) will be a five-round fight for an interim title at Scotiabank Arena. Makhachev is expected to return on the other side of Ramadan, which ends March 10.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Carlos Prates unloads on Islam Makhachev over passing on UFC 336; champ responds
