Makhachev Questions Morales's Inactivity Ahead Of Title Shot

Islam Makhachev has doubts about whether Michael Morales has done enough to warrant the next welterweight title shot.

Makhachev defends his 170-pound strap against Ian Garry at UFC 330 this Saturday in Philadelphia, with Morales serving as the official backup. But weighing in as a standby does not automatically secure a championship opportunity, and the champion believes the undefeated Ecuadorian needs to prove himself with more recent cage time, per MMA Mania.

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Makhachev Favors Prates's Activity Over Morales's Layoff

Morales carries a 19-0 record with seven UFC wins but has not fought since stopping Sean Brady last November. Carlos Prates, meanwhile, has knocked out former champions in consecutive outings and remains active on the roster. Makhachev sees that contrast as significant.

"He's a good contender—one of the contenders, for sure," Makhachev told reporters at UFC 330 media day. "Just one thing I don't understand is why he don't fight. He has to deserve [a title fight] because Prates is still active and fighting."

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The champion added that he is not looking past Garry. If he retains the belt Saturday night, Makhachev said he does not care who stands across from him next, though he made clear that staying busy matters in the title race.

UFC 330 takes place Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, with the Makhachev-Garry main event airing on Paramount+.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — UFC 330’s Islam Makhachev brushes off ‘good contender’ Michael Morales – ‘Why he don’t fight?’