Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweights and the reigning champion of the division.
Morales, an undefeated 170-pounder Shavkat Rakhmonov, Carlos Prates and Ian Garry are currently at the top of the division, Prates is the frontrunner to fight
Islam Makhachov for the next title. After recently revealing that he will fight one more time before his first UFC title shot, Morales discussed the 170-pound title picture.
Michael Morales challenges Carlos Prates as Islam Makhachov’s UFC lightweight title picture takes shape
Morales recently sent a message to his fellow contenders and the welterweight champion. Makhachov previously suggested that Morales and Prates should fight in a title shot. Morales hailed the fight, calling it a “Deadpool vs. Spider-Man” match. With Prates now seemingly next in line to fight Makhachov, Morales suggested the Dagestanis want the Brazilian next because it’s an “easy” matchup.
“Islam, ever since you came into my division and took the belt, I’ve been begging for a fight,” Morales said on Instagram. “You know who I am. You said, ‘Morality is more dangerous.’ You also said that I needed another fight. And about Prates and me, you said, ‘Let them fight.’ Okay, I respect that. But after that, there’s no more excuses. You and me for the belt. Prates, you said the UFC never offered you a fight with me. You said you’d knock me out in the first round. Perfect bro, let’s do it You and me. Do you want the belt. I want the big fight. But if you prefer the fighter, I have it.
Morales then hit Garry, the last title contender, and Rahmonov, sidelined since December 2024 with a knee injury. Kazakh should return next year.
“The final boss of this division… Shavkat Rakhmonov. Oh, I almost forgot about you… Damn, Ian Garry.”
