The identify on Michael Morales’ thoughts is Islam Makhachev. The No. 3 ranked welterweight contender, who knocked out Sean Brady in Spherical 1 of UFC 322, is now itching to return to the Octagon to struggle champion Makhachev.
In the meantime, the Russian is scheduled to make his first protection of the 170-pound strap in August, with an official announcement on date and opponent anticipated quickly.
In a current interview with Alvaro Colmenero, Morales was requested if he thought he was the following welterweight title challenger and replied:
“If God permits it, sure. We wish a struggle with him (Islam Makhachev). He has already given us an excuse to not struggle over there. However I am comfortable. I am 100% comfortable.”
He added:
“I am not going to take credit score away from my rival as a result of Islam is a legendary fighter. He did what he was purported to do and he is already received two titles, however I got here in with a starvation to win a title as properly.”
Try Michael Morales’ feedback beneath.
Morales and Makhachev have been beforehand rumored to struggle in January, however reviews say UFC executives contacted each fighters with gives, which they each declined. Makhachev did not have sufficient time to arrange as he solely fought final November. Morales additionally fought at UFC 322, hoping to relaxation and recuperate for a title struggle in January 2026.
Michael Morales warns Ian Machado Garry
In the identical interview, Michael Morales admitted that he dislikes No. 2 welterweight contender Ian Machado Garry. Morales added that if he have been to lock horns with the Dubliner quickly, it will be his first very aggressive struggle.
“I do not like him (Ian Machado Garry). I haven’t got excellent emotions about him. Sure, I like him somewhat bit, however on the finish of the day, he is a fighter too. I am not going to get overconfident. If I need to struggle him, I’ve to arrange too. If the struggle occurs, it should be a really intense struggle, however I need to struggle him.”
“There was an argument a very long time in the past at a present in Las Vegas, however there have been no cameras so there was nothing to show it. I do know what he did…I’ve at all times stated it will be a really totally different struggle with him. If I struggle him, it will likely be the primary time I do it in a really aggressive means.”
Try Michael Morales’ feedback beneath.
The subsequent particular person to face Islam Makhachev is predicted to be both ‘The Future’ or the Ecuadorian. Each fighters have already been known as the pound-for-pound king a number of instances. Morales beforehand indicated he had signed a deal to face Makhachev.
Gary, then again, expressed frustration with the delay and blamed the 34-year-old Russian for not being a present UFC champion.
