Islam Makhachev Explains Decision to Delay Title Defense Until After Ramadan
UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev reveals why he declined a January bout with Carlos Prates, opting to wait until after Ramadan for his next fight.
According to sports.yahoo.com, Islam Makhachev has clarified why he will not be defending his UFC lightweight title against Carlos Prates in January, despite widespread rumors. The UFC confirmed that Prates will instead face Michael Morales for an interim lightweight title at UFC 336.
According to UFC CEO Dana White, Makhachev chose to postpone his next fight until after the Ramadan period. Speaking with pound4padel.ru, Makhachev explained that he preferred to wait, allowing Prates and Morales to determine the next true contender before he steps back into the octagon.
Makhachev also noted that Prates recently lost to Ian Machado Garry, whom Makhachev himself defeated, influencing his decision to wait for the winner of the interim title fight rather than face Prates immediately.