Dana White Explodes After Islam Makhachev Backs Out of January Fight

UFC President Dana White has publicly criticized lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for backing out of a planned title defense against Carlos Prates at UFC 336 in January 2027.

White confirmed that Makhachev had verbally agreed to the fight before withdrawing from the matchup.

“Yeah, it was verbally agreed to,” White told The Mac Life on Wednesday when asked if Makhachev had committed to facing Prates.

The champion’s decision forced the UFC to create an interim welterweight title fight between Prates and Michael Morales for the January 30 event.

White expressed frustration with Makhachev’s activity level as champion.

“Being the champ, I don’t really expect you to fight three times a year, but twice would be nice,” he said at a press conference following UFC 333.

The UFC president suggested that financial security might be driving Makhachev’s decision to fight less frequently.

“I think it’s money,” White explained.

“Once you get so much money — when guys are young and hungry, they want to fight a lot because they want to get paid. But once you start to get enough money, you don’t have to fight all the time.”

Makhachev has defended his choice to decline the Prates fight, arguing that the matchup makes little sense for his career.

The champion pointed out that he recently defeated Ian Machado Garry, who had previously beaten Prates.

According to Makhachev, fighting Prates would add little value to his resume given this chain of victories.

Petr Yan, a fellow fighter, commented on the situation.

“I don’t know what the reasons were,” Yan said.

“But if Islam’s team made that decision, there must be an explanation, and he can tell you better and more accurately himself.”

The UFC lightweight division now faces uncertainty.

Justin Gaethje currently holds the lightweight title, but his future is unclear.

White has discussed Gaethje’s next move, noting that the American is participating in the 2026 Internet Invitational, a $4 million celebrity golf tournament hosted by Barstool Sports and Bob Does Sports at Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri.

“I don’t know yet,” White said when asked about Gaethje’s plans.

“He’s in the middle of this golf thing. We’re talking to him, but we’ll figure it out. He’s going to have to pull the trigger one way or the other, see if he wants to retire or continue to fight.”

Alexander Volkanovski has also expressed interest in moving up to lightweight for a title shot.

The Australian has already challenged Makhachev twice for the 155-pound crown.

Their first meeting at UFC 284 was a closely contested affair, with Volkanovski pushing Makhachev to his limits before losing a decision.

Many fans felt Volkanovski had done enough to get his hand raised.

Their rematch at UFC 294 went very differently.

Volkanovski stepped in on short notice after Charles Oliveira withdrew due to an injury, only to suffer a devastating first-round knockout via head kick.

White has indicated he would support a fight between Volkanovski and Gaethje for the lightweight championship.

“You know, I would pretty much do anything for Alexander Volkanovski at this point in his career,” White said on The Jim Rome Show.

“Great guy, great athlete, great champion. The big question is: what does Justin Gaethje wanna do?”

White added, “Justin, coming off this unbelievable win at the White House. He’s an incredible athlete too; what does he wanna do next?”

The UFC president stressed that the decision ultimately rests with Gaethje.

Makhachev’s withdrawal has reshaped the immediate plans for the lightweight division.

The interim welterweight title fight between Prates and Morales now headlines UFC 336.

This leaves Makhachev’s next move uncertain.

White’s public criticism signals tension between the UFC and its lightweight champion.

The situation highlights a recurring issue in MMA: balancing fighter earnings with activity.

White’s comments about money suggest a broader concern about champion availability.

The UFC typically expects champions to defend their titles at least twice per year.

Makhachev has fought once in 2026, defending his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier at UFC 333.

That fight took place in October 2026.

A January 2027 fight would have been roughly three months later.

White’s frustration appears tied to the gap between fights.

Makhachev’s argument about the Prates fight being redundant adds another layer.

The champion believes his victory over Ian Machado Garry should supersede a fight with Prates.

Garry defeated Prates earlier in 2026.

Makhachev submitted Garry at UFC 333 in October.

This chain of victories is central to Makhachev’s reasoning.