Islam Tells Morales To Fight Prates Or Rakhmonov

UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev thinks Michael Morales is getting ahead of himself.

Morales will serve as backup for the welterweight title fight between Makhachev and Ian Garry at UFC 330 on Aug. 15 in Philadelphia, but the undefeated Ecuadorian may be waiting on a shot that is not guaranteed. Makhachev told MMA Junkie that Morales needs to settle his spot in line by taking on one of the division's other top contenders first.

Makhachev Says Too Many Contenders At Welterweight

"[Morales] has to fight, bro," Makhachev said, per MMA Junkie. "When he fought last time? And he's waiting for the title fight or what? Too much contenders. I think [Morales] has to fight against (Carlos) Prates or maybe Shavkat (Rakhmonov). I don't know when (Rakhmonov) comes back. Too much contenders, we have to know who is the No. 1 contender."

Prates sits at No. 1 in the welterweight rankings, two spots above Morales, who is 19-0 and coming off three straight knockout wins, most recently over Sean Brady at UFC 322 last fall. Rakhmonov was slated to challenge for the belt but suffered a torn knee that pushed him to the sidelines for two years. Prates lost to Garry at UFC Kansas City in early 2025.

UFC 330 goes down Aug. 15 in Philadelphia with Makhachev defending the welterweight strap against Garry in the main event.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — UFC 330: Islam wants Michael Morales to get off his ass and fight Carlos Prates — ‘Too much contenders’