The rivalry has taken on new chapters in the UFC's welterweight division (up to 77 kg). Undefeated in the organization and increasingly close to the top of the category, Michael Morales made no secret of the target he wants to face in the next steps of his career. In a forceful statement, the Ecuadorian made it clear that he intends to test his strength against Ian Garry regardless of when the fight takes place, whether before or after a potential title fight.
During an interview with the 'Hablemos MMA' channel, Morales raised his voice when commenting on Garry and revealed that his desire to face him goes beyond a simple fight. According to the prospect, his rival doesn't deserve his respect and represents a confrontation he has long desired for a long time.
“So, ( Ian Garry ) is a fighter who doesn’t deserve respect. And I want to fight him. I really want to fight him. Whether it’s after the title fight or before, it doesn’t matter. I could even be champion. And if I become champion, I would also ask for that fight,” said Michael Morales in the interview.
Michael Morales doesn't like Ian Garry at all . 😲 pic.twitter.com/ODLCL4y1yZ
— Hablemos MMA (@hablemosmma) February 3, 2026
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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 undefeated for a few days, but that shortly afterwards he returned to his unbeaten record. Although Morales's loss 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,” 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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