After months of waiting and uncertainty, the welterweight category (up to 77,1 kg) seems to be finally taking the expected course. In addition to the official confirmation that Islam Makhachev will defend his title for the first time against Ian Garry in the main event of UFC 330 , the official reserve for the fight was revealed last Thursday (25). One of the most imposing athletes of today, Michael Morales will be ready to step into the world's most famous octagon if one of the two involved cannot participate in the event. The information was first reported by reporter Carlos Legaspi.
According to the Spanish journalist, initially the Ecuadorian is expected to be just a reserve fighter, but there is also the possibility of him participating in another fight. Undefeated in 19 professional fights, Morales comes from big knockout victories against Gilbert Burns and Sean Brady , and is ranked third in the division.
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Michael Morales is the official backup fighter for UFC 330.
The UFC told me I would be the replacement if Makhachev or Machado Garry are unable to compete. They also mentioned the possibility of taking another fight.
Either way, I'll be ready and on weight.
[via @CCLegaspi ] pic.twitter.com/dY1NwkNjaN
— Verdict (@VerdictMMA) June 25, 2026
Could Michael Morales face Carlos Prates in the UFC?
Prates at the Ultimate press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube/UFC
If another fight is offered to Morales, the possibility of a confrontation with Carlos Prates , the top-ranked fighter in the category, could arise. Prates is coming off a great knockout victory against Jack Della Maddalena in Perth in March of this year.
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Read More about: Welterweight belt, Ian Gary, Islam makhachev, MichaelMorales
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