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.

Following a competitive training camp, the franchise has refined its squad to meet league requirements. The final decisions come after a busy preseason period that saw the team evaluate various players on training camp deals, aiming to balance experience with emerging talent.

The Raptors concluded their preseason schedule with a narrow 129-125 defeat to the Detroit Pistons. Despite resting their primary starters due to the demands of a back-to-back schedule, the team showcased depth and resilience in a closely contested matchup.

The preseason finale saw notable performances from several bench players. Smith, Burnett, and Martin all shone during their final opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities to the coaching staff before the team transitioned into the regular season roster structure.

Head coach Darko Rajaković has been vocal about his development strategy, particularly regarding first-round draft pick Allen Graves. Rajaković has encouraged the rookie to maintain an aggressive shooting approach, emphasising that the coaching staff values his confidence and long-term growth.

Regarding the rookie's approach during the preseason, Rajaković stated, "I don’t care if the shot is gonna fall or not." The coach has stood firmly by the forward, praising the young player's willingness to keep shooting despite early misses.

The team’s roster construction has drawn attention from around the league, with analysts noting a shift in the squad's composition. There is growing optimism surrounding the potential for a new 'Bench Mob' era, driven by the energy and versatility of younger players.

Internal competition for roster spots was particularly intense this year. The organisation successfully secured a new two-way signing following the final cuts, a move intended to bolster depth as the team navigates the challenges of the long regular season ahead.

The upcoming campaign follows a 2025-26 season where the Raptors demonstrated significant potential, pushing the Cleveland Cavaliers to a seven-game series in the playoffs. This performance has led to positive assessments from league observers regarding the team's current trajectory.

Tristan Thompson, an NBA champion, recently heaped praise on the Toronto roster. He made an interesting comparison between the current group and the 2019 championship-winning team, noting the potential inherent in the current squad's development and tactical setup.

As the Raptors prepare for the season opener, the focus shifts entirely to the matchup against the Chicago Bulls. The team aims to build on the foundations laid during the preseason and translate their training camp progress into early-season success.

The franchise continues to evaluate its long-term identity as it enters the 2026-27 season. With key players like Collin Murray-Boyles expected to take on larger roles, the team is looking to solidify its position as a competitive force in the East.

In only his second year, Collin Murray-Boyles is positioned to make a significant leap. Analysts suggest he is well-placed to solidify himself as a pillar of this franchise, potentially rounding out a core 'Big 3' for the Toronto team.

The Raptors' management remains committed to developing a roster that can compete at a high level. By finalising these roster moves, the coaching staff can now dedicate their full attention to tactical preparations for the opening week of the season.

The team has also seen individual players focus on their personal preparation. Jamal Shead recently explained the significance of his jersey number change, noting that reclaiming his college number held deep personal meaning heading into his third professional season.

The Raptors have been the subject of positive attention in recent league-wide general manager surveys. Despite a lack of deep postseason success in recent years, there is a clear belief around the NBA that this year's squad has genuine potential.

David Fizdale, an NBA TV analyst, recently raved about the 'dogs' on the Toronto Raptors roster. He expressed significant praise for the team's current composition, highlighting the grit and competitive spirit present within the group as they head into October.

The franchise is also navigating its historical legacy. While the team has maintained a consistent red, black, and white colour scheme for two decades, there has been ongoing discussion regarding potential future rebrands and the return of purple elements.

The team's visual identity remains a topic of interest for fans. While the club has not yet announced its City Edition jerseys for the upcoming year, there is constant speculation about whether the team will revisit previous iconic design themes.

With the roster now set, the Raptors are focused on the immediate challenge of the Chicago Bulls. The coaching staff and players are looking to carry the momentum from their competitive preseason performances into the first official game on Tuesday.

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.

The alterations to the starting lineup see the return of experienced hooker Amy Cokayne and centre Tatyana Heard. Additionally, loosehead prop Hannah Botterman and back-row forward Abi Burton have been drafted into the starting side for the highly anticipated encounter.

To accommodate these changes, centre Helena Rowland, hooker Bryony Field, and prop Mackenzie Carson have been moved to the replacements bench. The squad rotation reflects Mitchell's desire to test different combinations within the team structure ahead of future challenges.

Flanker Sadia Kabeya is also included among the replacements, returning to the matchday squad after recovering from a leg injury. Meanwhile, Marlie Packer remains unavailable for the North American tour due to personal family commitments regarding her partner.

Bristol Bears forward Demelza Short has been named as a replacement for the first time in the WXV Global Series. Her inclusion offers fresh depth to the forward pack as England prepares for a challenging away fixture in Canada.

The upcoming match in Toronto is set to be played in front of a record crowd for a standalone women's rugby Test in North America. Both teams are eager to make an impact in this high-profile international fixture.

Reflecting on the team's preparation, John Mitchell noted the importance of the previous meeting between the two sides. The Red Roses were held to a 26-26 draw by Canada in Exeter just one month ago in an entertaining contest.

Mitchell stated: "The first Test in Exeter gave us a valuable opportunity to test our game under pressure and identify where we can improve." He emphasized that the team is focused on evolving their performance levels for this series.

The head coach added: "As we continue to build towards 2029, our focus is on raising our level, strengthening our connections and continuing to evolve as a team." The squad is currently undergoing a long-term development phase for the future.

Regarding the specific challenge of the Toronto venue, Mitchell expressed enthusiasm for the environment. He noted that playing in a different country provides a unique test for the squad as they grow together as a unit this week.

England enters this fixture following a narrow victory over New Zealand at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham. The Red Roses required a try in the final play of the match to secure that win against the formidable Black Ferns side.

The starting lineup for the Canada Test features Ellie Kildunne at fullback, with Jess Breach and Claudia Moloney-MacDonald on the wings. Megan Jones will captain the side from the centre alongside the returning Tatyana Heard for the match.

Zoe Harrison is set to start at fly-half, partnered by scrum-half Lucy Packer. The forward pack includes Hannah Botterman, Amy Cokayne, and Sarah Bern in the front row, with Morwenna Talling and Lilli Ives Campion in the second row.

The back row is completed by Abi Burton, Alex Matthews, and Maddie Feaunati. This balance of experience and emerging talent is intended to provide stability and an attacking threat throughout the eighty minutes of play in the second Test.

The bench is comprised of Bryony Field, Mackenzie Carson, Maud Muir, Demelza Short, and Sadia Kabeya. Completing the replacements are Natasha Hunt, Helena Rowland, and Emma Sing, offering tactical options for the coaching staff during the second half.

The WXV Global Series serves as a critical part of the international rugby calendar for women's teams. It provides a platform for top-tier nations to compete regularly and refine their tactical approaches ahead of major tournaments and cycles.

England's recent form has been characterized by high-intensity matches against top-ranked opposition. The draw in Exeter and the late victory over New Zealand demonstrate the competitive nature of their current international schedule and the depth of the squad.

The match in Toronto represents a significant milestone for women's rugby in the region. The anticipated record attendance highlights the growing interest and support for the sport across North America as the tour reaches its second Test match.

As the Red Roses continue their tour, the coaching staff will be evaluating individual performances closely. The integration of players like Demelza Short and the return of injured personnel are key components of the current strategy for Mitchell.

Following this fixture, England will continue their preparations for future international windows. The team remains committed to maintaining their high standards of play as they look toward the 2029 cycle and the continued evolution of their playing style.