Ariel Helwani Critiques UFC's Decision to Book Interim Welterweight Title Fight

Ariel Helwani, a respected MMA insider, expressed his views on the UFC's move to schedule an interim welterweight title fight after Islam Makhachev declined a bout with Carlos Prates for UFC 336. The event is set for January in Toronto, Canada.

Makhachev Declines Fight Against Prates

Makhachev was offered a chance to defend his welterweight crown against Prates but opted for a longer break, expected to last until after Ramadan. Despite Prates being viewed as the clear No. 1 contender, Makhachev disagreed with that ranking. Consequently, Prates will now face Michael Morales for the interim title.

The disagreement sparked a social media feud, with Prates accusing Makhachev of avoiding the fight.

Helwani Calls Interim Title Premature

On The Ariel Helwani Show, Helwani openly criticized the UFC's decision to create an interim belt so soon after Makhachev’s last defense. The champion successfully retained his title against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 in August.

"I don’t have an issue with Islam not coming back in five months. The only issue is he told us that’s what he wanted. Now he’s flip-flopping," Helwani said. "There should not be an interim title because he just fought two months ago. By the time the fight happens, it’ll be five months. There’s no world where an interim title makes sense."

Helwani Questions Makhachev’s Reasoning for Avoiding Prates

Makhachev’s justification for declining the fight centered on Prates’ loss to Ian Machado Garry, whom Makhachev recently defeated. He argued it didn’t make sense to fight someone who lost to a fighter he beat.

Helwani challenged this logic, noting that Prates has since secured two consecutive finishes and now must defeat Morales to claim the interim championship. The journalist disagrees strongly with Makhachev’s rationale.

"I’m glad there’s an interim title because the fighters get more benefits. But it’s frustrating that it’s not Carlos Prates vs. Islam Makhachev—that’s the fight everyone wanted to see," Helwani said. "Makhachev said he wanted to fight in December or January, then says he won’t face Prates because he lost to Garry two years ago. None of it adds up."