Carlos Prates’ manager says the fighter expected to challenge UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev before the promotion shifted him into an interim-title bout with Michael Morales. The account comes from an interview published Thursday by MMA Fighting and carried by Yahoo Sports.

How the matchup changed

Manager Lucas Lutkus told MMA Fighting that Prates had been promised a chance to fight for the undisputed 170-pound title after his win over former champion Jack Della Maddalena. Lutkus said the January date against Makhachev was offered and that Prates accepted. Yahoo reported that UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Makhachev had verbally agreed to the matchup before withdrawing.

The UFC’s announced card for UFC 336 now lists Prates against unbeaten contender Michael Morales for the interim welterweight championship. The winner is in line to face Makhachev, according to the promotion’s announcement. The event is scheduled for Jan. 30 in Toronto.

What remains unresolved

The public comments describe how the original plan changed, but they do not establish a final date for Makhachev’s next title defense. The UFC has not announced a replacement opponent for him. Prates and Morales are set to contest the interim belt while the champion’s return plans remain open.

Sources: Yahoo Sports / MMA Fighting; UFC official UFC 336 announcement; Yahoo Sports report on Dana White’s comments.