Covington Backs Makhachev's Wait and Doubts Prates and Morales

Colby Covington has taken Islam Makhachev's side over his decision to wait. He also says the two men fighting for the interim belt at UFC 336 have not done enough to be there.

The plan around UFC 336

Makhachev was supposed to face top contender Carlos Prates at UFC 336. The welterweight champion has since changed course. He wants Prates and Michael Morales to fight each other first, and he will face the winner.

Makhachev's reasoning is that Prates lost to Ian Machado Garry. In his view, the Brazilian must now beat Morales to earn a title fight.

Prates and Morales will meet at UFC 336 for the interim welterweight title because Makhachev is unavailable. After that announcement, many fans called for the P4P king to be stripped of his 170-pound belt.

Covington's defense

Covington told MMA Junkie that Makhachev has committed no crime. He said the champion should get time to get through Ramadan. A January date for Makhachev did not work out, and Covington thinks he should fight after Ramadan.

Give him a little time to get through Ramadan. The January date for him didn't work out.

He said he was surprised, because he thought Makhachev had fought or defended the title only a few months ago.

Doubts about the interim fight

Covington does not think Prates and Morales are worthy of an interim title. He asked what they have done. About Morales, he said he has fought nobody and has been tested by nobody.

He called Morales' win streak impressive, with some nice showcasing wins. But Morales has not had a marquee matchup, a main event against an ex-champion or a title challenger, Covington said.

The Ecuadorian has not fought this year. His last appearance was at UFC 322 in 2025.

Covington still gave the UFC credit. He said Hunter Campbell and the promotion see something and know something. He expects an all-striking fight and thinks someone will be knocked out for sure.

Fan reaction

Fans reacted with surprise to Covington defending Makhachev. One user wrote that he never expected it. Another joked about Covington being misunderstood, like a character in Cobra Kai.

Our view

Covington's comments show how divided opinion is on an interim title created while a champion waits. Makhachev's next opponent is not set until UFC 336 plays out, so the debate may continue until then.

Source: LowKickMMA.com