Reports confirming the change emerged on Friday, 23 October, indicating that the proposed matchup is no longer in the works. While the fight had been the primary objective for the promotion's return to Toronto, officials are now forced to explore alternative options to anchor the event.

The news was initially reported by Ag Fight and subsequently corroborated by industry insiders. It has been noted that the scheduled date for the event is no longer viable for Makhachev, though specific reasons regarding his withdrawal from the proposed bout have not been disclosed by the promotion.

Journalist Ariel Helwani confirmed the development via social media, stating that the matchup between Makhachev and Prates is no longer the target to headline the Toronto show. He noted that while the fight was the original plan, the promotion is now looking elsewhere.

With the planned headliner now cancelled, the UFC is currently evaluating potential replacements to lead the UFC 336 card. The status of Carlos Prates remains uncertain, as the promotion considers whether to keep the contender on the event or reschedule his appearance for a later date.

Speculation regarding the new main event has already begun, with several high-profile fighters mentioned as potential candidates to step into the spotlight. Among the possibilities discussed are bouts involving UFC women's flyweight champion Natalia Silva, who could potentially feature in a title defence against Jasmine Jasudavicius.

The inclusion of a Canadian fighter like Jasudavicius in a title fight would likely appeal to the local Toronto audience. The promotion often looks to feature domestic talent when hosting major international events to ensure strong ticket sales and local engagement.

Other potential scenarios include middleweight champion Sean Strickland, who has previously competed in Toronto. His experience in the city and his status as a high-profile champion make him a viable candidate for the promotion to consider for the vacant main event slot.

A high-stakes welterweight clash involving other top contenders such as Michael Morales or Shavkat Rakhmonov has also been discussed as a possibility. These fighters are currently positioned near the top of the division and could provide a compelling alternative for the card.

The promotion has yet to make an official announcement regarding a new headlining bout. The situation remains fluid as matchmakers work to secure a new marquee fight that maintains the prestige and commercial viability of the upcoming Toronto event.

The removal of Makhachev from the card creates a significant void for the Toronto event, which was expected to be a major showcase for the welterweight division. The UFC continues to work on finalising the remainder of the fight card as the date approaches.

Makhachev, who holds the welterweight championship, remains one of the most prominent figures in the sport. His absence from the January card marks a notable shift in the promotion's early 2027 scheduling plans, leaving the division's immediate future in flux.

The Scotiabank Arena has hosted several significant UFC events in the past, and the promotion remains committed to delivering a high-quality card for the Canadian market. Further details regarding the updated fight lineup are expected to be released in the coming weeks.

As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike are waiting for confirmation on who will ultimately headline the Toronto event. The promotion is expected to prioritise a title fight or a high-impact contender matchup to maintain the prestige of the UFC 336 card.

It is important to note that the Makhachev versus Prates fight was only ever a targeted matchup and had not been officially signed by both parties. This distinction allows the promotion more flexibility to pivot to new options without breaking a formal contract.

The UFC's ability to adapt to sudden changes in fight cards is a hallmark of its operational strategy. With several months remaining until the January date, there is sufficient time for the promotion to build a new, compelling main event for the fans.

While the loss of a champion-led main event is a setback, the depth of the current UFC roster provides numerous opportunities to create a strong card. The promotion's matchmakers are known for their ability to assemble competitive bouts on short notice.

The broader context of the welterweight division remains highly competitive, with a number of fighters vying for the attention of the promotion. The upcoming months will likely see significant movement in the rankings as contenders seek to establish their title credentials.

Fans in Toronto will be looking for updates from the UFC regarding ticket sales and the finalisation of the fight card. The promotion typically provides comprehensive updates as the event date draws closer to ensure transparency with the public.

The focus of the MMA community now shifts to how the UFC will restructure the UFC 336 card. With the main event now open, the anticipation surrounding the announcement of a replacement headliner will undoubtedly grow in the coming days.

During that high-profile encounter, Machado Garry faced reigning UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev. The championship bout drew criticism from UFC president Dana White, who publicly expressed dissatisfaction regarding the challenger's lack of offensive activity during the fight.

Keen to put that disappointing championship defeat behind him, the talented contender is preparing to resume his career campaign. Reports indicate that a new matchup has been booked for the Irishman before the end of the calendar year.

Prominent combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani reported that Machado Garry's next assignment is already secured. However, specific details regarding the exact date, venue, and opponent for the upcoming appearance have not yet been officially revealed by the promotion.

The welterweight division currently features several compelling matchups and contenders who could potentially share the cage with the returning star. Analysts and fans have begun speculating about possible opponents for his imminent comeback fight within the top tier.

One prominent name frequently mentioned in connection with Machado Garry is Michael Morales. The undefeated knockout artist has been eager to secure a major fight after remaining inactive since his victory over Sean Brady at UFC 322.

Morales has previously engaged in social media callouts directed at the Irish contender over several months. While Morales has also been discussed in connection with Shavkat Rakhmonov, fitness concerns surrounding Rakhmonov could clear the path for alternative pairings.

Another logical opponent within the division is former welterweight titleholder Jack Della Maddalena. The Australian fighter has been sidelined since suffering a knockout defeat against Carlos Prates earlier in the year during a previous event.

Carlos Prates himself is widely considered the leading candidate to challenge Islam Makhachev for the welterweight championship next. Consequently, top-five contenders like Machado Garry are positioning themselves carefully for pivotal eliminator bouts in the division.

Despite facing criticism from promotion executives following his tactical approach against Makhachev, Machado Garry remains a vital fixture at the summit of the 170-pound weight class. His return is expected to significantly impact the broader championship landscape.

The welterweight weight class continues to produce intense competition, with upcoming events such as UFC 336 in Toronto drawing immense interest. Division standouts are actively jockeying for prime placement on upcoming pay-per-view cards scheduled for early next year.

As the organization finalizes the remaining fight cards for the final quarter of the year, official confirmation of Machado Garry's opponent is anticipated in the coming weeks. The mixed martial arts community eagerly awaits details of his next step toward title redemption.

In other recent welterweight action, Canadian contender Mike Malott made headlines with a stunning performance this past Saturday at UFC Edmonton. Malott secured a definitive victory by knocking out Joaquin Buckley with a knee in the second round.

That impressive victory elevated Malott's promotional record to eight wins against a single loss, marking his fifth consecutive triumph inside the Octagon. By defeating a recognized top-10 fighter, the 34-year-old Canadian dramatically advanced his status in the division.

Following his career-best win on home soil, Malott wasted no time expressing his ambitions for his next steps. The Canadian fighter explicitly stated his desire to secure a prominent spot on the newly announced UFC 336 card in Toronto.

Furthermore, Malott identified potential future opponents, naming veteran contender Jack Della Maddalena as an adversary he would welcome next. The convergence of these top contenders highlights the intense activity currently shaping the welterweight weight class.

Meanwhile, division dynamics continue to shift with various athletes navigating contractual disputes, rankings adjustments, and promotional exits. Top-ranked athletes remain vocal about their trajectories as the organization plans its upcoming schedule of global events.

The broader UFC landscape features intense rivalries and anticipated championship bouts across multiple weight divisions, keeping fans engaged. Promoters continue to weigh contender standings as they build stacked cards for major international markets in the coming months.

Machado Garry's impending return serves as a critical juncture for his professional trajectory as he seeks to re-establish momentum. A victory against another elite contender would quickly thrust the Irish fighter back into championship conversations.

The coming weeks will likely bring formal announcements from the promotion regarding the exact matchmaking for Machado Garry's late-year return. Observers will monitor how the welterweight hierarchy responds to these developing athletic matchups.

The event is scheduled to be held at the Scotiabank Arena, a venue familiar to the promotion and home to the Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. This marks the return of the UFC to Canada's largest city for the first time since January 2024.

UFC 336 will serve as the first numbered card of the 2027 calendar year. The promotion has a long-standing history in Toronto, having first visited the city in April 2011 for the historic UFC 129 event held at the Rogers Centre.

While the official fight card has yet to be finalized, the announcement has generated significant anticipation among Canadian fans. The UFC has historically maintained a strong presence in the country, often hosting two major events annually across different provinces.

Reports suggest that a potential welterweight championship bout between Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates is being considered as a headliner for the event. However, the organization has not yet confirmed any specific matchups for the card.

Other potential bouts discussed in relation to the upcoming schedule include a welterweight contender clash between Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov. UFC president Dana White has previously hinted that this matchup is under consideration for future cards.

The transition to 2027 also brings changes to how fans in Canada access major events. Numbered cards in the region are set to move to the Paramount+ platform, aligning with the broader distribution strategy adopted by the promotion.

The return to Toronto follows a successful Fight Night card in Edmonton, which featured a record number of Canadian fighters on the roster. The promotion continues to leverage its popularity in the region to host high-profile numbered events.

The Scotiabank Arena, formerly known as the Air Canada Centre, has hosted the majority of the UFC's Toronto-based events over the past decade. It remains a primary destination for the promotion's international expansion efforts.

As the date approaches, the UFC is expected to announce the full lineup of bouts. Fans have been encouraged to register their interest through official channels as the organization prepares for its first major show of the new year.

Toronto has long served as a cornerstone of the UFC's Canadian expansion. Before the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the promotion visited the city with much greater frequency, establishing a dedicated and passionate local fanbase.

The upcoming event at Scotiabank Arena represents the eighth time the UFC has brought its octagon to Toronto. This consistent return to the city underscores its status as one of the premier global destinations for mixed martial arts.

The announcement was broadcast to a captive audience during the UFC Edmonton event, which saw a record-breaking 12 Canadian fighters compete. This surge in local talent has been a key factor in the promotion's ongoing commitment to the region.

The shift in broadcasting rights is a significant development for Canadian viewers. With numbered events moving to Paramount+ in 2027, the promotion aims to streamline access, moving away from the traditional pay-per-view model that previously governed these major cards.

While the main event remains unconfirmed, the rumored pairing of Islam Makhachev and Carlos Prates has captured the attention of analysts. Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion, continues to be a dominant force within the promotion's competitive landscape.

Carlos Prates has also emerged as a formidable challenger, building a strong record that makes him a logical candidate for a marquee title fight. Whether this specific bout materializes will depend on the finalization of contractual agreements.

The potential welterweight clash between Michael Morales and Shavkat Rakhmonov is another highlight currently being monitored by the MMA community. Such a matchup would carry significant weight in determining the future of the division's rankings.

The UFC's strategy of pairing high-profile numbered events with local Fight Night cards has proven effective in Canada. By maintaining this dual-event structure, the organization ensures a steady stream of content for its growing international audience.

The Scotiabank Arena is well-equipped to handle the high production demands of a numbered UFC event. Its central location and history of hosting major sporting spectacles make it an ideal venue for the promotion's return to Toronto.

As the date for UFC 336 approaches, fans can expect further updates regarding the fight card and ticket availability. The organization remains focused on delivering a high-quality experience for its Canadian supporters in the new year.