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

Michael Morales and Islam Makhache are standouts in the UFC welterweight division. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

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Michael Morales has made it clear that he does not intend to show respect to Islam Makhachev in a potential confrontation in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) octagon. The 'Ecuadorian Spiderman' gained prominence in the welterweight division (up to 77 kg) after knocking out Sean Brady at UFC 322 and now awaits the opportunity to face the Russian, who 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,” said Michael Morales.

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

In an interview with Match TV, Islam Makhachev stated that Morales was briefly unbeaten, but shortly after, he regained his undefeated record. Although Morales' loss was in an exhibition match, the champion was direct in suggesting that his rival needed 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,” said Islam Makhachev.

If Islam Makhachev speaks of 'knocking out' his rival, the sentiment is mutual on the part of Michael Morales . In a social media post, the Ecuadorian stated that he sees a specific vulnerability in the Russian champion's history and expressed confidence in repeating an outcome already seen before in Makhachev's career. For Morales, the path to an eventual victory lies in a knockout.

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

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

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

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