Michael Morales reveals why he doesn't like Ian Machado Garry as he heads into UFC 330 backup role

Michael Morales has suggested that he dislikes fellow young UFC welterweight star Ian Machado Garry. 

The 27-year-old also proceeded to reveal the reason behind his feelings toward Garry. Intriguingly, Morales's comments have come to the fore at a time when he's expected to serve as the official backup/replacement fighter for Garry's fight against Islam Makhachev. 

The Makhachev vs. Garry matchup will headline UFC 330 in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, on August 15. 

Michael Morales sounds off against Ian Machado Garry before the Irishman's UFC welterweight title fight against Islam Makhachev

Dagestan's Islam Makhachev, the No. 1-ranked pound-for-pound UFC fighter and a former UFC lightweight titlist, is all set to return to the Octagon. He'll attempt to defend his UFC welterweight championship for the first time and is up against Irish MMA star Ian Machado Garry. 

A win for Makhachev would help him break Anderson Silva's record for the longest UFC win streak (16). On the contrary, Garry winning would notch him his first UFC title. It's been deemed a bona fide high-profile clash. 

Moreover, the UFC has roped in the undefeated Michael Morales to serve as the backup fighter for the Makhachev-Garry showdown. 

During a recent interview with Full Violence, Morales was asked about whether there's anyone in his division, welterweight, whom he doesn't like. The Ecuadorian combatant responded by naming Ian Machado Garry. 

"Ian Garry." The welterweight said. He confirmed that he was indeed referring to Ian Machado Garry. The KO artist added, "Yeah. Ian Garry. Ian Garry, f**k you." 

Morales continued, "I no like him." When asked for the reason behind his dislike of Garry, he said, "He talks too much." 

Watch Michael Morales take a jibe at Ian Machado Garry below: 

Michael Morales is nearing a UFC welterweight title shot; backup fighter at UFC 330

Michael Morales made his professional MMA debut in 2017 and worked his way up to the UFC-affiliated DWCS (Dana White's Contender Series) in 2021. The Judoka-cum-wrestler and fearsome striker made his UFC main roster debut the following year, accruing a 7-0 record in the organization. 

His latest fight witnessed him defeat Sean Brady by way of first-round TKO last November. Presently, Morales has weighed in and is ready to compete in the welterweight title fight at UFC 330 if Islam Makhachev or Ian Machado Garry pull out due to injury and/or other reasons. 

The consensus is that if the Makhachev-Garry clash goes ahead as planned, Morales could fight the winner for the title next. Nevertheless, Brazil's Carlos Prates has consistently maintained that he's likely to fight the Makhachev vs. Garry victor for the belt. 

Considering the variables at play, speculation has abounded that Prates could leapfrog Morales into a title fight despite the latter weighing in as the backup at UFC 330 and seemingly setting up an imminent title shot.