Overview
- Multiple outlets and insiders reported on Oct. 13 that the UFC is targeting Islam Makhachev vs. Carlos Prates to headline UFC 336 on Jan. 30, 2027 in Toronto while negotiations continue and no official booking has been announced.
- Makhachev has publicly said he wants to fight before Ramadan, creating a tight window for any January or early‑February title defense and adding urgency to the talks.
- Carlos Prates has said an agreement with the UFC exists subject to date and location and arrives at the title shot after knockout wins over former champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena.
- Coverage highlights a clash of styles with Prates’ knockout power facing Makhachev’s elite wrestling, and Prates’ teammates have publicly predicted a potential knockout finish.
- Reports also link a possible co‑main of Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Michael Morales to UFC 336, a pairing that could determine the next title challenger and affect the welterweight pecking order.