UFC champion Islam Makhachev has garnered support from his teammate, Josh Thomson, regarding his decision to pursue only the most challenging opponents available. Thomson recently questioned UFC CEO Dana White’s position on fighters exerting influence over their schedules and opponents, specifically following the organization’s move to book an interim welterweight title bout between Carlos Prates and Michael Morales for UFC 336 on January 30, 2027. Check out Josh Thomson’s comments below.
The promotion arranged the interim championship fight after Makhachev opted against competing in the January event, citing a preference to return to the octagon following the conclusion of Ramadan. Thomson took to social media to highlight his disagreement, referencing previous statements by White that suggested champions could earn the right to dictate their future matchups. Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at and more.
Makhachev has maintained that his career is entering its final stages and remains focused on facing the top-tier competition in the division. He acknowledged the discourse surrounding potential challengers like Prates and Morales, noting that while one is viewed as highly dangerous and the other as exceptionally skilled, his primary goal is to face whichever fighter proves to be the superior contender. According to he touched upon the arguments being made about Prates and Morales, with one considered too dangerous and the other too good, but, He wants to face the best of the two.
The UFC has elected to proceed with the interim title fight to ensure continued activity within the welterweight division while waiting for the champion to return. This approach has drawn criticism, but some voices in the MMA community have rallied to defend Makhachev’s timeline.
Colby Covington recently weighed in on the situation, defending Makhachev’s decision to bypass the January 2027 date.
Speaking with MMA Junkie, Covington expressed skepticism toward the matchmaking for UFC 336, arguing that neither Prates nor Morales has sufficiently earned the credentials to compete for an interim title. He emphasized that the reigning champion should be afforded the necessary time to prepare and return to the cage once his post-Ramadan recovery is complete.
