UFC: Makhachev reportedly turned down January title defence against Prates

Islam Makhachev declined a proposed January title defence against Brazil's Carlos Prates, according to Sherdog, which reports the claims of Prates' manager, Lucas Lutkus.

Lutkus says Makhachev gave the UFC no reason for his decision. This is the Prates camp's account: no response from the UFC or Makhachev is mentioned at this stage.

The refusal leaves Prates' next fight open, after the bout was proposed to him according to his manager.