Dana White Slams Islam Makhachev Over Fight Snub
UFC CEO Dana White has revealed that Islam Makhachev did not want to fight Carlos Prates in January, citing the timing of Ramadan as the reason for his reluctance to compete. White made the comments while discussing the proposed matchup, making it clear that the UFC was unwilling to delay the division’s progress.
According to White, Makhachev indicated that he did not want to return to competition until after Ramadan. The UFC CEO appeared frustrated by the response, arguing that the promotion could not afford to put an entire division on hold while waiting for one fighter’s preferred schedule.
“He said, ‘I don’t wanna fight until after Ramadan.’ You can’t hold up the division like that,” White said.
The comments have put the spotlight on Makhachev’s potential return timeline and the UFC’s plans for its championship picture. While the Russian fighter has established himself as one of the sport’s elite competitors, the promotion must also consider the ambitions of other contenders waiting for major opportunities.
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Dana White Dismisses Other Reasons for Makhachev’s Decision
When asked whether Makhachev had any additional reasons for not accepting the proposed January fight, White gave a brief response that suggested there was little else behind the decision.
“No reasons,” White replied.
The exchange has raised questions about how the UFC intends to handle the division’s schedule and whether Prates will be offered another opponent. Prates has been looking to establish himself among the division’s leading contenders, and a potential matchup against Makhachev would represent a major opportunity.
However, White’s comments do not confirm that a fight between Makhachev and Prates had been officially agreed upon or that Prates has been ruled out of contention. The UFC’s next steps will determine how the situation develops.
For now, Makhachev reportedly wants to wait until after Ramadan, while White has made it clear that he does not want the division’s progress delayed.
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