Michael Morales isn’t pleased with Ian Machado Garry’s recent comments about who should face whom next in the UFC welterweight division.
For context, ‘The Future’ in a recent Instagram video suggested three potential matchups for the 170-pound division. The Irishman wants Morales to take on Carlos Prates and Jack Della Maddalena to fight Kamaru Usman, whilst he wants to fight champion Islam Makhachev.
About Morales, Garry said:
“Carlos Prates vs. Michael Morales because it is two power heavy hitters, and I want to see who comes out on top. I doubt Morales would take it because the truth is Carlos Prates hits harder.”
He also called himself the “number one contender in the world,” while suggesting a fight with Islam Makhachev.
“The world title fight at welterweight. I want to see the champion, Islam Makhachev, defend his belt against the number one contender in the world, Ian Machado Garry. I am next.”
Check out Ian Machado Garry’s comments below:
Michael Morales TORCHES Ian Machado Garry
Michael Morales, after coming across Ian Machado Garry’s comments, quipped:
“Tell him to suck it and that the belt is mine.”
Check out Michael Morales’ comments below:
Morales last fought Sean Brady at UFC 322 and secured a Round 1 TKO victory. He has secured Round 1 stoppages in his last three bouts and boasts a 19–0 pro-MMA record.
Reportedly, Morales and Islam Makhachev were set to face each other in January. However, the matchup never materialized as both fighters were unwilling to return too early in the year, having last competed in November 2025 at UFC 322.
Ian Machado Garry’s coach, comments on potential Islam Makhachev vs. ‘The Future’ clash
Ian Machado Garry’s head coach, Diego Lima, believes his pupil should be next in line to challenge UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
Lima says ‘The Future’ “has all the characteristics and requirements” to fight Makhachev.” He also opined that a fight between Garry and the pound-for-pound king would be one where strategic intelligence would ultimately decide the outcome. He told MMA Fighting:
I believe that, without a doubt, the fight to make for the title is Ian Garry. For everything. For what he’s shown, who he’s faced, how he’s faced them, the short notice on which he accepted fights, the intelligence he’s demonstrated, and the fact he sells. He sells a lot. I believe he has all the characteristics and requirements to face Islam Makhachev for the welterweight 170 title.”
He added:
“I believe a fight [between Makhachev and] Ian would be incredible, a very good one. A fight where strategic intelligence would bring the result.”
Check out Diego Lima’s comments below:
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