Makhachev Says Morales Must Fight Again Before Title Shot

Islam Makhachev does not believe Michael Morales has done enough to challenge for the welterweight title, even though the undefeated Ecuadorian stands ready as the backup fighter for UFC 330 on Aug. 15.

Makhachev defends his 170-pound strap against Ian Machado Garry in Philadelphia that night. Morales would step in if either man pulls out at the last minute, but the champion told MMA Junkie that the backup role alone does not warrant a full title shot. "He has to fight, bro," Makhachev said, per BJPenn.com. "When he fought last time? And he's waiting for the title fight or what? Too much contenders. I think he has to fight against (Carlos) Prates or maybe Shavkat (Rakhmonov). I don't know when he (Rakhmonov) comes back. Too much contenders, we have to know who is the No. 1 contender."

Why Morales Believes He's Earned A Shot

Morales stopped Sean Brady in the first round at UFC 322, the same card where Makhachev claimed the welterweight belt from Jack Della Maddalena. That finish over Brady marked the biggest win of Morales' 19-0 career, which also includes victories over Gilbert Burns and Neil Magny. Morales has called for a title fight repeatedly but lost out to Garry when the UFC made its choice for UFC 330.

The Ecuadorian acknowledged that his weight management remains challenging after ballooning to 233 pounds earlier this year, leaving him with a steep cut to reach the welterweight limit. He has expressed confidence in making 170 pounds the morning before fight night should he be called upon in Philadelphia.

Morales faces another wait if Makhachev and Garry make it to the cage healthy. The champion's comments suggest that matchups against Prates or the returning Rakhmonov would be the path forward for the 19-0 contender rather than an immediate title shot.

Reported via:

• BJPenn — Islam Makhachev says Michael Morales must fight again before title shot despite UFC 330 backup role