Brown Rips UFC Over Makhachev Interim Title

Matt Brown defended Islam Makhachev's decision to skip UFC 336 and blasted the promotion for introducing an interim welterweight title only two months after the champion's last defense.

Makhachev turned down a January bout with Carlos Prates, opting instead to return after Ramadan concludes. The UFC responded by booking Prates against Michael Morales for an interim strap, with Makhachev set to face the winner later in 2027. The lightweight king last fought in August, submitting Ian Machado Garry at UFC 333.

Brown Questions UFC's Motive Behind Interim Belt

Brown, speaking on The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast, said Makhachev has earned the right to choose his timeline. MMA Fighting first reported his comments. The veteran questioned whether the interim title serves the division or punishes the champion for declining a fight. "Is that the UFC trying to punch Islam in the gut?" Brown asked. "That's what it feels like here."

Brown acknowledged the frustration but stood firm on Makhachev's leverage. "He is in position being that he's done such great things, I feel like he's earned that right," he said. He called the Prates-Morales matchup an elite contest but argued the interim label cheapens it. "The interim title's not going to mean anything," he added.

The welterweight division rolls on with or without Makhachev. UFC 336 is scheduled for January with the interim title fight headlining the card.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Matt Brown defends Islam Makhachev, rips UFC for introducing another ‘f*cking interim title’