Makhachev Dismisses Morales As Top Contender After UFC 330

Islam Makhachev says Michael Morales needs to fight more often before getting a welterweight title shot.

The champion broke Anderson Silva's record for consecutive UFC wins with his 17th straight victory over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on Saturday. Asked who deserves the next crack at his belt during the Paramount Plus post-fight show, Makhachev pointed to Carlos Prates instead of Morales, citing the Ecuadorian's inactivity.

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Makhachev Names Prates As Most Deserving

"Honestly, if you ask me today, Shavkat [Rakhmonov] is not fighting," Makhachev said, per BJPenn.com. "[Carlos] Prates still fighting, still active. Maybe Prates because Morales also is good, but Morales fight I don't know last time. I don't remember when he fight, you know? If you ask who's the most deserving guy, I think Carlos Prates."

Morales stopped Sean Brady in the first round last November but has not competed since. Both Morales and Prates attended UFC 330 in Philadelphia, with Morales having a brief backstage exchange with Garry that remained cordial despite some verbal sparring.

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If Prates lands the title shot, Morales could face Garry or another top contender next. Makhachev defends his welterweight strap for the first time after moving up from lightweight, where he held the 155-pound title for three years.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Islam Makhachev dismisses Michael Morales as No. 1 contender following UFC 330: “I don’t remember when he fight”