What happened: UFC CEO Dana White confirmed that lightweight champion Islam Makhachev verbally agreed to fight Carlos Prates before withdrawing from the proposed UFC 336 card. Prates responded publicly to the change in plans, stating Makhachev backed out of the agreement. The matchup would have pitted the reigning lightweight titleholder against the surging welterweight contender.

Why it matters: A bout between Makhachev and Prates would have served as a major cross-division headliner for UFC 336 on Jan. 30. The withdrawal forces the promotion to reshape its early 2026 pay-per-view schedule while keeping Makhachev's next lightweight defense unbooked. Prates will now seek another marquee welterweight pairing after the high-profile matchup dissolved.

What to watch: The UFC will finalize the official main card lineup for UFC 336 ahead of the Jan. 30 event. Promotional officials are expected to clarify Makhachev's timeline and next opponent in the coming weeks.