Makhachev Out of UFC 336? Dana White's Two-Word Answer Has Everyone Guessing
Event: UFC 336 — January 30, 2027, Scotiabank Arena, Toronto
Image credit: UFC.com
Fight day in Abu Dhabi, and one of the biggest stories in MMA isn't on tonight's card at all. On Friday, reports surfaced that Islam Makhachev is out of the planned UFC 336 main event against Carlos Prates — and when Dana White got asked about it on a live stream, his entire answer was two words. [1][2]
The report: Toronto loses its headliner
The first report came from Ag Fight in Brazil on Friday: Makhachev was no longer part of the planned January 30 headliner in Toronto. Ariel Helwani then confirmed it independently per his sources: "Islam Makhachev vs Carlos Prates is no longer the target to headline UFC 336 in Toronto. That was originally the hope/plan, but I'm told the UFC is looking elsewhere now. Date doesn't work for Makhachev anymore. Unclear why." [2]
A full breakdown of what happened — and what it means for the welterweight division — is doing the rounds on YouTube. [5]
"Ah. Interesting."
The clip fans keep passing around came later on Friday night. White joined influencer Nina Drama on her live Kick stream during the Power Slap event in Abu Dhabi, and she asked him point blank: "For 336, they were saying maybe Islam vs Carlos… But then they said but Islam is out. Is the internet telling the truth or is it all cap?"
White smiled. "Ah. Interesting," he said. "Interesting." Then he changed the subject. [1][3]
He refused to confirm or deny a thing — which, for a fight that was never officially announced, is about what you'd expect. The UFC 333 post-fight press conference tonight is the next place this gets asked, though a straight answer seems unlikely. [1]
The fine print everyone keeps missing
Here is the part worth remembering before the takes get out of hand: this fight was never signed and never officially announced. Makhachev's manager, Rizvan Magomedov, said this week that it "wasn't close to being a done deal," telling reporters: "It's not close to reality yet. So far, it's all just rumors and talk." [3]
Makhachev had been pushing to fight again in January — before Ramadan begins in February — after defending the welterweight strap against Ian Garry at UFC 330 in August. With that date now off the table, his return could slide back by months, and Toronto needs a new main event less than four months out. [2][4]
So what happens to Prates? The promotion hasn't announced plans for the No. 1 contender, who was set for his first UFC title shot. One scenario being floated is an interim belt fight against No. 3-ranked Michael Morales — but nothing is confirmed, and that's firmly in rumour territory for now. [4]
Where the numbers land
Makhachev is 29-1 and coming off his third successful title defence. Prates is 24-7 with all seven of his UFC wins by finish — and he's the man left hanging. [4][5] Their full records, striking and grappling numbers are on our Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates fighter pages. If this fight lands later in 2027, we'll have the head-to-head ready.
Sources
1. Bloody Elbow — Dana White calls Islam Makhachev UFC 336 reports 'interesting'
2. NY Fights — Islam Makhachev Reportedly Out of UFC 336 (carrying Ariel Helwani's report)
3. Fight Sports — Makhachev Reportedly Out Of Match Against Prates (manager Rizvan Magomedov quote)
4. MMA Mania via Yardbarker — Makhachev Withdraws From UFC 336 Title Fight
5. YouTube — Islam Makhachev OUT of UFC 336! Carlos Prates Title Fight Is OFF — What Happens Now?
Fight data compiled from public statistical sources (ufcstats.com) and Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). OctagonStats is an independent database, not affiliated with UFC / TKO Group.