If the UFC icon is to be believed, Islam Makhachev may have an attention-grabbing take a look at towards Michael Morales.
Morales had an eye-popping efficiency towards Sean Brady on the primary card of UFC 322. Morales didn’t enable the struggle to take maintain and scored a primary spherical TKO end. The win boosted Morales’ inventory, main some to suppose he would possibly subsequent problem Makhachev for the UFC welterweight title.
In an interview with MMAJunkie.com, future UFC Corridor of Famer Dominick Cruz expressed his perception that Morales might make issues attention-grabbing in the event that they share the Octagon.
“We might give Morales a title shot,” Cruz mentioned. “I’ve seen that man within the health club, and there is one thing nonsensical about him. The best way he strikes, I am telling you. He is a freak gymnast. He can do the craziest issues. He can actually problem Makhachev’s power differently than anybody else. Now, approach is one thing that hasn’t been examined with Morales.”
“There was power in that approach. Morales could be very athletic proper now and might overcome different strategies along with his power and explosiveness. Makhachev, however, should work step-by-step and critically to untie the knots that Makhachev has placed on him. Additionally, Makhachev being a southpaw will change Morales’ type as properly.”
Makhachev defeated Jacques Della Maddalena in the primary occasion of UFC 322 to win the UFC welterweight championship. Makhachev hopes to defend his gold medal towards Kamaru Usman, however has made it clear he’s keen to place his title on the road towards a worthy candidate.
Names like Ian Machado Garry have additionally been floated for a shot on the 170-pound title. Shavkat Rakhmonov might be essentially the most attention-grabbing identify from a aggressive standpoint, however he has not competed since late 2024 on account of harm.

