On tonight’s UFC 333 broadcast there was a surprise announcement with Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales now set to fight for the interim welterweight title in the main event for UFC 336 in Toronto, Canada on January 30th next year

As we reported earlier today, current champion Islam Makhachev had ruled himself out of defending the belt against Prates at the January event, and with Ramadan right around the corner after that it would have meant that the title would have been on ice until several months into 2027.

So, in order to keep the top end of the division moving, the UFC has opted to go with an interim title fight for the time being between two worthy contenders.

The No.1 ranked Prates is currently on a three-fight winning streak that’s seen him deliver KO finishes of both Geoff Neal and former champion leon Edwards, while last time out he TKO’d another ex-champ Jack Della Maddalena.

In total that leaves the 33-year-old Prates with a 7-1 UFC record, with all his wins having comes via strikes.

The 27-year-old Morales has impressive credentials too as he’s undefeated in his 19-0 career to date, including seven wins in the UFC.

That includes having stopped Neil Magny, Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady by strikes in the 1st round in his last three visits to the Octagon, leaving him as the No.3 ranked contender.

Prates vs. Morales will headline a UFC 336 event that will also feature a co-main event flyweight title fight between Joshua Van and Manel Kape.