Michael Morales Names Islam Makhachev, Carlos Prates and Shavkat Rakhmonov as His Welterweight Hit List
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Michael Morales has made it clear he’s not short on ambition, naming Islam Makhachev, Carlos Prates and Shavkat Rakhmonov as the welterweights he wants to hunt down next.
Islam Makhachev's next opponent is still not confirmed, but Michael Morales and Carlos Prates are both pushing for a shot at the Dagestani champion. Makhachev has expressed readiness to fight before Ramadan, and fans are eagerly waiting for an announcement.
Fighters like Morales, Prates, and Ian Garry have made the welterweight division one of the most stacked in the UFC, and Makhachev's addition to the roster has only made it more competitive. The Ecuadorian fighter recently dropped his hit list, and there are some big names on it.
Michael Morales Sent A Message To The Entire Welterweight Division
Morales called out several big names in the welterweight division and responded to Islam Makhachev's comments about needing one more fight, saying there should be no more excuses after his next outing. In a recent Instagram post, the 27-year-old said:
“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.“
Morales said he wants Shavkat Rakhmonov in 2027, calling him the "final boss" of the division. He also finished the message by taking another shot at Ian Garry. The Irish fighter, however, didn't stay quiet and fired back at the Ecuadorian.
Ian Garry Claims Michael Morales Fight Is 'Locked In' As Main Event
Garry says he has agreed to headline a fight against Michael Morales and claimed the date for the matchup is already locked in. ‘The Future’ also accused Morales of making excuses, saying the UFC has already sent him the fight date. In a recent post, Garry wrote:
“UFC sent the date. I DM'd you myself. You make it all public but behind the scenes I'm getting a different message. The world knows I'm anyone anytime. How long has it been since he's fought?"
The Irish fighter also took a shot at Morales' recent activity, questioning how long it has been since he last competed. The 27-year-old last fought Sean Brady at UFC 322, and fans are now waiting to see when he steps back into the Octagon, as his fighting style has earned him a strong following.
