Michael Morales has confirmed that he’ll function the backup fighter for the UFC 330 welterweight title struggle between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry on August 15.
The undefeated Morales final fought at UFC 322, the place he knocked out high contender Sean Brady in Spherical 1. Later that evening, Makhachev dethroned Jack Della Maddalena to seize the 170-pound throne and likewise joined the record of UFC two-division champions.
In January, there have been rumours that Islam Makhachev would defend his title in opposition to Morales. Nevertheless, the bout didn’t come to fruition, because the Dagestani phenom, who had simply fought in November 2025, was not trying to enter the octagon once more in 2 months. Morales, alternatively, selected trip and restoration over an instantaneous title struggle.
Previously few months, the Ecuadorian fighter referred to as out the P4P king a number of instances and likewise alleged that he’s signed a contract to struggle Islam Makhachev.
Nevertheless, the UFC selected short-notice risk-taker Ian Machado Garry to be the subsequent title challenger. Garry is driving a two-fight win streak and has taken short-notice bouts in opposition to Carlos Prates and Shavkat Rakhmonov. “The Future” has proved that he’s an organization man and essentially the most deserving contender, and thus he deserves a title shot with none second ideas.
Michael Morales confirms he’s backup for Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry
Not too long ago, throughout a sit-down with Danny Segura, No. 3 welterweight contender Michael Morales claimed that for now, he will probably be serving as backup for the UFC 330 predominant occasion: Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry, and the promotion has promised him that after this struggle he can be the subsequent welterweight title challenger. He stated:
“They advised me I needed to watch for the struggle between Ian and Islam, after which I’d be subsequent. Proper now they’ve introduced me in because the backup in case one of many two misses weight or isn’t in a position to struggle. If that occurs, I’ll step in. Both this title struggle occurs, or I wait yet another struggle after which I struggle for the title. There’s nothing else left.”
Try Michael Morales’ feedback beneath:
Why Michael Morales might not get a title shot after UFC 330?
Though Michael Morales claims that after the UFC 330 title bout he’s subsequent in line, beforehand Carlos Prates, the No. 1 welterweight contender, who has received his final three bouts through knockout and has knocked out former UFC champs Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena again to again, has additionally claimed that he’s the subsequent welterweight title challenger after Ian Machado Garry.
If Garry manages to dethrone Makhachev, “The Nightmare” and “The Future” have additionally mentioned a possible rematch in Brazil, which may also be the Irishman’s first title defence.
Nevertheless, when Prates was requested whether or not he would take one other struggle whereas the mud settles between Islam Makhachev and Garry, he stated he would moderately wait. Nevertheless, if he has to struggle somebody, he desires the undefeated (19-0) Michael Morales, who has received his final three bouts through first-round knockout.
Try Carlos Prates’ feedback beneath:
