Michael Morales doesn't want to wait in line. The 'Ecuadorian Spider-Man', who hasn't fought since November 2025 when he defeated Sean Brady at UFC 322, made it clear that he wants to win the Ultimate's welterweight (up to 77 kg) belt. The prospect also took the opportunity to take a jab at Ian Garry , a declared rival of the striker.
In a post on Instagram, Morales expressed his opinion on who should be the next to challenge for the UFC welterweight title. Despite the Irishman being ranked second, for the 'Ecuadorian Spider-Man', currently in third place, only one name should fight for the title, and that someone is himself.
"Tell Ian Garry to swallow that, the belt is mine," Morales stated in the post.
😅🇪🇨 Michael Morales made his position clear on who should be next for a welterweight title shot.
(via Michael Morales /IG) pic.twitter.com/kBEx6Ob556
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) February 9, 2026
See too
The feud between Michael Morales and Ian Garry
It's not the first time Michael Morales has publicly expressed his thoughts on Ian Garry . Recently, the Irishman suggested that the 'Ecuadorian Spider-Man' should face Carlos Prates , aiming to break the deadlock in the race for the category's belt, which currently belongs to Islam Makhachev.
“Everyone has an opinion on who should fight whom next in the welterweight division. Here’s mine: Carlos Prates versus Michael Morales , because they are two fighters with a lot of striking power, and I want to see who comes out on top,” said Ian Garry.
Within this context, Garry has positioned himself as the most suitable name to challenge Makhachev for the belt. Despite Jack Della Maddalena currently being ranked number one in the division, the Irishman sees himself as the "number one in the world".
“And finally, the fight for the welterweight world title. I want to see champion Islam Makhachev defend his belt against the number one in the world: Me,” the Irishman concluded.
Garry's opinions did not please the Ecuadorian, and Morales was frank in saying that the Irishman does not deserve his respect. Furthermore, the undefeated striker has already expressed a desire to face him in the octagon at some point.
“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,” the Ecuadorian said in an interview.
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