UFC welterweight Carlos Prates has criticized lightweight champion Islam Makhachev following the latter's absence from UFC 336. Prates, who scored a knockout victory over Leon Edwards at UFC 322, accused Makhachev of backing down from a commitment to remain an active champion.
The Brazilian fighter's comments come after Makhachev was expected to compete at UFC 336 but did not appear on the card. Prates suggested the Dagestani champion "chickened out" of his promise to defend his title regularly.
Makhachev, who captured the lightweight belt in 2022, has defended it multiple times but has faced scheduling delays in recent months. Prates' callout adds to growing speculation about Makhachev's next opponent and timeline.
