Watch out, Makhachev! Ecuadorian giant shows no respect for the Russian in a potential UFC duel.

MichaelMorales Islam Makhache and other prominent figures in the UFC welterweight division are featured in the photo. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage.

MichaelMorales He made it clear that he does not intend to show respect to Islam makhachev in a potential showdown in the Ultimate Fighting Championship octagon. The 'Ecuadorian Spiderman' gained prominence in the welterweight division (up to 77 kg) after knocking out... Sean brady No. UFC 322 and now awaits the opportunity to face the Russian, who He was crowned champion. of the category on the same night, in a duel valid for the belt.

In an interview with the channel 'Hablemos MMA', the Ecuadorian fighter adopted a confident and provocative tone when speaking about the champion. Morales stated that he sees Makhachev as a common opponent, emphasizing that he doesn't see him as an idol and that he believes they are equal inside the cage, regardless of the status or admiration the Russian inspires among fans.

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“I have no respect for Islam. It bleeds like I do. I'm not going to worship it just because everyone else does,” he said. MichaelMorales.

Islam Makhachev and Michael Morales vow to 'erase themselves' in the UFC octagon.

In an interview with Match TV, Islam makhachev He stated that Morales was undefeated for a few days, but that shortly after, he returned to an unbeaten record. Although Morales's negative result was in an exhibition fight, the champion was direct in suggesting that his rival would need to be 'knocked out' again.

“Morales wasn’t undefeated a few days ago. Now he is again. I don’t know what happened. I watched the fight, he was knocked out and they said it was an exhibition. Well, he needs to be knocked out again,” he said. Islam makhachev.

Se Islam makhachev He speaks of 'erasing' the rival, the feeling is mutual on the part of MichaelMoralesIn a social media post, the Ecuadorian fighter stated that he sees a specific vulnerability in the Russian champion's record and expressed confidence in repeating an outcome seen previously in Makhachev's career. According to Morales, the path to a potential victory lies in a knockout.

"Makhachev has already been knocked out once, so we have to knock him out again," he wrote. MichaelMorales.

Makhachev ya knok him one time so I have to knok him again 🤫🔥

— Michael🕷Morales🕸 (@michaellmma) January 17, 2026