Islam Makhachev’s withdrawal from the UFC 336 event raised a lot of questions about who would headline the event. Finally, the promotion has unveiled its plans for its first numbered event of 2027.

In the welterweight champion’s absence, top welterweight contenders Carlos Prates and Michael Morales will battle for the interim gold at UFC 336 headliner, with the winner getting a guaranteed shot at the Dagestani icon when he decides to return. The promotion dropped this bombshell during the UFC 333 live broadcast in Abu Dhabi.

But that is not the only announcement they had in store for us. The UFC also confirmed that flyweight champion Joshua Van will be making his third title defense against Manel Kape in the co-main event.

This is a developing story…