TLDR
- Islam Makhachev says Michael Morales needs another fight before earning a welterweight title shot
- Morales will serve as backup fighter for Makhachev vs. Garry at UFC 330 on Aug. 15
- Makhachev suggests Morales should face Carlos Prates or Shavkat Rakhmonov next
- Morales hasn’t fought since his first-round TKO win over Sean Brady at UFC 322 in November
- Makhachev will defend his welterweight title for the first time against Ian Machado Garry in Philadelphia
Sources: mmajunkie.usatoday.com | mmafighting.com | bjpenn.com
UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev believes Michael Morales needs to compete again before earning a title shot, despite Morales serving as the backup fighter for UFC 330.
Makhachev will defend his 170-pound belt for the first time against Ian Machado Garry on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. Morales will serve as the official backup for the event.
The champion told MMA Junkie that Morales hasn’t been active enough to deserve a title fight. “He has to fight, bro,” Makhachev said. “When he fought last time? And he’s waiting for the title fight or what?”
Too Many Welterweight Contenders
Makhachev pointed to the crowded welterweight division as a reason Morales should face another top contender. “Too much contenders,” he explained. “I think he has to fight against (Carlos) Prates or maybe Shavkat (Rakhmonov).”
Morales hasn’t competed since finishing Sean Brady by first-round TKO at UFC 322 in November. That same night, Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena to capture the welterweight championship.
Islam tries to clown Michael Morales for being inactive then realizes they both fought on UFC 322 last 🤣🤣🤣
Thank God Garry is ridding this inactive bum of the belt pic.twitter.com/vZGW1OBOJS
— 11 DAYS TILL EMPEROR GARRY IS CHAMP (@KonaMMA_) August 3, 2026
The undefeated Ecuadorian fighter holds a 19-0 record with seven straight UFC wins. His past three victories all came by first-round knockout against ranked opponents, including Brady, Gilbert Burns, and Neil Magny.
Prates has been more active than Morales recently, scoring a win at UFC 322 before finishing Della Maddalena at UFC Fight Night 275 in May. When asked about fighting Prates next, Makhachev responded positively.
“Why not? Nutella cake is going to be a good opponent,” Makhachev said, referencing Prates’ nickname. “He’s an exciting fighter, and it’s going to be a good fight.”
Backup Role at UFC 330
Morales told MMA Junkie he expects to serve as the backup fighter for UFC 330. He would step in if either Makhachev or Garry are forced to withdraw from the main event.
No official announcement has been made regarding Morales’ backup status. He remains unbooked after his two wins in 2025.
Morales has acknowledged that making weight could be challenging. He revealed he reached 233 pounds this year and still needed to cut 15 pounds. However, he expressed confidence that he will make the 170-pound limit.
Makhachev is no stranger to last-minute opponent changes. At UFC 311, challenger Arman Tsarukyan withdrew due to a back injury and was replaced by Renato Moicano. Makhachev defeated Moicano before vacating the lightweight title.
Garry earned his title shot after bouncing back from his only UFC loss to Shavkat Rakhmonov. He defeated former champion Belal Muhammad and top contender Carlos Prates to secure his opportunity against Makhachev.
Makhachev holds a 28-1 record and is ranked as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC. He previously defended the lightweight title four times before moving up to welterweight.
Garry brings a 17-1 overall record and 10-1 UFC record into the championship fight. UFC 330 will also feature strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern facing Gillian Robertson in the co-main event.
