Michael Morales has confirmed that he will serve as the backup fighter for the UFC 330 welterweight title fight between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry on August 15.
The undefeated Morales last fought at UFC 322, where he knocked out top contender Sean Brady in Round 1. Later that night, Makhachev dethroned Jack Della Maddalena to capture the 170-pound throne and also joined the list of UFC two-division champions.
In January, there were rumours that Islam Makhachev would defend his title against Morales. However, the bout did not come to fruition, as the Dagestani phenom, who had just fought in November 2025, was not looking to enter the octagon again in 2 months. Morales, on the other hand, chose vacation and recovery over an immediate title fight.
In the past few months, the Ecuadorian fighter called out the P4P king several times and also alleged that he’s signed a contract to fight Islam Makhachev.
However, the UFC chose short-notice risk-taker Ian Machado Garry to be the next title challenger. Garry is riding a two-fight win streak and has taken short-notice bouts against Carlos Prates and Shavkat Rakhmonov. “The Future” has proved that he’s a company man and the most deserving contender, and thus he deserves a title shot without any second thoughts.
Michael Morales confirms he’s backup for Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry
Recently, during a sit-down with Danny Segura, No. 3 welterweight contender Michael Morales claimed that for now, he will be serving as backup for the UFC 330 main event: Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry, and the promotion has promised him that after this fight he would be the next welterweight title challenger. He said:
“They told me I had to wait for the fight between Ian and Islam, and then I’d be next. Right now they’ve brought me in as the backup in case one of the two misses weight or isn’t able to fight. If that happens, I’ll step in. Either this title fight happens, or I wait one more fight and then I fight for the title. There’s nothing else left.”
Check out Michael Morales’ comments below:
Why Michael Morales may not get a title shot after UFC 330?
Although Michael Morales claims that after the UFC 330 title bout he’s next in line, previously Carlos Prates, the No. 1 welterweight contender, who has won his last three bouts via knockout and has knocked out former UFC champs Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena back to back, has also claimed that he is the next welterweight title challenger after Ian Machado Garry.
If Garry manages to dethrone Makhachev, “The Nightmare” and “The Future” have also discussed a potential rematch in Brazil, which will also be the Irishman’s first title defence.
However, when Prates was asked whether he would take another fight while the dust settles between Islam Makhachev and Garry, he said he would rather wait. However, if he has to fight someone, he wants the undefeated (19-0) Michael Morales, who has won his last three bouts via first-round knockout.
Check out Carlos Prates’ comments below:
