Dana White: 'Islam Makhahev verbally agreed | MMA News
Welterweight champion Islam Makhachev was anticipated to defend his title at UFC 336 in January, but that’s not the case. Instead, top contender Carlos Prates will face No. 3 ranked Michael Morales for an interim belt. Makhachev has opted to wait until after Ramadan to step back in the octagon.
According to UFC CEO Dana White, Makhachev had verbally agreed to face Prates in January before altering his thoughts.
“Yeah, it was verbally agreed to,” White said during a media event on Wednesday selling his bull Playmate.
“I believe when you get to a place where he’s at and what he’s completed, who is aware of what he’s pondering or what he needs to do next? But, clearly, I like when guys battle a lot. Being the champ, I don’t actually count on you to battle 3 times a yr, but twice can be good. What you start to do is back up the division, because tons of guys would really like a shot at the title.”
Makhachev has acknowledged that Prates needed to show himself more before getting a title shot but White believes Makhachev’s choice got here down to one factor.
“I believe it’s money,” White said. “Once you get so a lot money — when guys are younger and hungry, they need to battle a lot because they need to receives a commission. But once you start to get enough money, you don’t have to battle all the time. And for him, to be honest to Islam, look at what he’s completed.”
Makhachev last fought in August, defeating Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330. It was his first welterweight title protection.
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