Makhachev vs Prates scrapped as UFC 336 Toronto main event plan

The UFC has dropped its plan to build UFC 336 in Toronto around a welterweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates, and the promotion is now looking for a different headliner for the January 30, 2027 card.

Makhachev, a 34-year-old Russian who trains with Eagles MMA, holds the welterweight title with a 29-1-0 record. His most recent recorded fight came on August 15, 2026, when he beat Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision over five rounds at UFC 330. That followed another five-round unanimous decision over Jack Della Maddalena in November 2025 and a first-round submission of Renato Moicano in January 2025, so he has won his last three recorded bouts, all as champion. He lands 2.27 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy and averages 3.22 takedowns per 15 minutes.

Prates, a 33-year-old Brazilian from Vale Top Team, is ranked number two at welterweight and carries a 24-7-0 record. His most recent recorded fight was a third-round TKO of Jack Della Maddalena on May 2, 2026. Before that he stopped Leon Edwards in the second round at UFC 322 and Geoff Neal in the first round at UFC 319, giving him three straight knockout wins inside the distance. He lands 3.77 significant strikes per minute at 55 percent accuracy, but averages just 0.21 takedowns per 15 minutes and no submission attempts.

Why it matters

• The numbers show a clear contrast in styles. Prates out-lands Makhachev by 1.50 significant strikes per minute, while Makhachev takes the fight to the mat at a rate more than 15 times higher.
• Prates holds a 78-inch reach to Makhachev's 70 inches, an eight-inch gap, and stands three inches taller at six-foot-one.
• With the pairing off the table for this card, the number two contender's path to a title shot at 170 pounds is left open, and the Toronto event has no announced main event.