Michael Morales Accuses Islam Makhachev of Seeking “Easy Fighter,” Calls Out Shavkat Rakhmonov
Michael Morales accuses Islam Makhachev of preferring an easier opponent in Carlos Prates while naming Shavkat Rakhmonov as his target for 2027.
Michael Morales sent a clear message to the UFC welterweight division, sending a bold challenge to champion Islam Makhachev, while calling for a showdown with Carlos Prates before setting his sights on Shavkat Rakhmonov.
The undefeated Ecuadorian feels he has earned his shot at the 170-pound title, but he is also prepared to take on another fight if that is what the UFC requires. Morales raised an eyebrow at Makhachev's apparent preference for Prates, hinting that the champion might be opting for an easier path.
In a video posted on social media, Morales laid out his plans, emphasizing that there should be no more waiting once he clarifies who truly deserves the next title shot.
Morales Challenges Makhachev and Calls Out Prates
Morales referenced Makhachev’s earlier comments about his potential and the possibility of a fight against Prates to determine the next challenger.
Michael Morales sends a message to the welterweight division 👀 “Islam… you know who I am. You said ‘Morales is way more dangerous’. You also said I need one more fight. About Prates and me, you said ‘let them fight’. Alright, but after that, no more excuses. Prates, you said the UFC never offered you the fight with me. You and me, let’s do it. You want the belt, I want the belt. Let’s find out who’s next. But if you guys have different plans… Islam if you prefer Prates because you prefer an easy fighter, I have mine for 2027. The final boss of this division. Shavkat Rakhmonov. Oh I almost forgot. F*ck Ian Garry.”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 4, 2026
“Islam… you know who I am. You said, ‘Morales is way more dangerous’. You also said I need one more fight,” Morales said.
He later addressed Prates directly, responding to the Brazilian's remark that the UFC had not offered him a fight against Morales.
“Prates, you said the UFC never offered you the fight with me. You and me, let’s do it. You want the belt, I want the belt. Let’s find out who’s next.”
Morales accepted the idea of a matchup between the two contenders but warned Makhachev against bypassing him.
“Islam, if you prefer Prates because you prefer an easy fighter, I have mine for 2027,” he added.
Shavkat Rakhmonov Becomes Morales’ Backup Plan
If a title shot does not come through, Morales has his sights set on another high-profile opponent: Undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov.
Having dubbed the Kazakh fighter the "final boss" of the division, Morales has expressed his eagerness for a showdown in 2027. Rakhmonov has been dealing with recurring knee injuries, but has recently hinted at a potential matchup with Morales through a social media post referencing the two fighters boasting 19-0 records.
As of now, there’s no official fight announcement. Morales also took the opportunity to throw some shade at Ian Machado Garry, making it clear he’s determined to stay in the mix for the welterweight title.
