UFC CEO Dana White Stays Consistent After Latest Islam Makhachev Update

Dana White finally addressed the controversy surrounding Islam Makhachev’s withdrawal from UFC 336, the fight that was slated to headline a championship double‑header in Toronto. In a press conference held in Las Vegas, White confirmed that the Makhachev‑Prates bout had reached the “finish line,” with both fighters verbally agreeing to the matchup. However, negotiations collapsed, prompting the promotion to pivot to an interim title fight between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales. The winner of that bout will earn a shot at Makhachev once the timing is right.

White used the opportunity to reiterate a long‑standing stance: champions should remain active, fighting two or three times a year regardless of the opponent. “I think it’s money,” he said. “When guys are young and hungry, they want to fight a lot because they want to get paid. But once you start to get enough money, you don’t have to fight all the time.” He added that he would prefer champions to stay active, but acknowledged that financial security can reduce the incentive to fight frequently.

Prates, who had been preparing for a January fight with Makhachev, expressed frustration at the sudden change. He said he had been told the date was reserved for him, only to be told otherwise. “I’m going to focus on Morales and then come back and beat Makhachev twice as hard,” he told reporters.

The interim title fight will take place at the UFC’s first event at Scotiabank Arena since 2024, marking a significant moment for the promotion as it navigates title‑fight logistics and champion activity.

Source: UFC CEO Dana White Stays Consistent After Latest Islam Makhachev Update