Michael Morales pitches potential title eliminator matchup at 170 pounds

Michael Morales pitches potential title eliminator matchup at 170 poundsSayan NagMay 4, 2026Even after the dramatic happenings of theUFC Perthheadliner, there remains a logjam in the welterweight title picture.In an effort to separate himself from the crowded pack of contenders at 170 pounds, Prates annihilated former champJack Della Maddalenain the third round of a fairly one-sided beating. “The Nightmare” dropped the Aussie once in the second round and twice in the third to complete his rout, one that saw him outland his foe by46 to 1in the last round of their collision.The victor wants nothing else than aUltimate Fighting Championshipchampionship pairing, but he might have to wait. Rumors are swirling, with Prates the originator of at least one, thatIan Garrywill be challengingIslam Makhachevfor the belt at UFC 330 in August. Additional options for contention includeMichael Morales,Sean Brady,Ilia Topuriashould he get pastJustin Gaethjein June.Kamaru Usmanwas even floated as a potential option to face Makhachev next.While Morales (19-0) considered himself in the race until recently, he has seemingly accepted that Garry may be ahead of him in line. Posting on hisInstagram Storieson Sunday, the undefeated Ecuadorian shared a composite matchup image of himself against Prates.Not everyone is sold on that pairing, chiefly Prates himself. Saying so at the UFC Perth post-fight press conference, Prates remarked that when not preparing for a fight, he likes to party and let himself go for a few months. His team wishes he would change his plan, but this means short turnarounds for the Brazilian are largely off the table. He suggested that he would be much more willing to wait for a championship bout than face Morales, even if it means he sits on the shelf for a while. Should Makhachev-Garry take place in August, based on championship schedules, the next welterweight title tilt may not take place until the end of the year or even early 2027.

Michael Morales pitches potential title eliminator matchup at 170 poundsSayan NagMay 4, 2026

Michael Morales pitches potential title eliminator matchup at 170 pounds

Even after the dramatic happenings of theUFC Perthheadliner, there remains a logjam in the welterweight title picture.In an effort to separate himself from the crowded pack of contenders at 170 pounds, Prates annihilated former champJack Della Maddalenain the third round of a fairly one-sided beating. “The Nightmare” dropped the Aussie once in the second round and twice in the third to complete his rout, one that saw him outland his foe by46 to 1in the last round of their collision.The victor wants nothing else than aUltimate Fighting Championshipchampionship pairing, but he might have to wait. Rumors are swirling, with Prates the originator of at least one, thatIan Garrywill be challengingIslam Makhachevfor the belt at UFC 330 in August. Additional options for contention includeMichael Morales,Sean Brady,Ilia Topuriashould he get pastJustin Gaethjein June.Kamaru Usmanwas even floated as a potential option to face Makhachev next.While Morales (19-0) considered himself in the race until recently, he has seemingly accepted that Garry may be ahead of him in line. Posting on hisInstagram Storieson Sunday, the undefeated Ecuadorian shared a composite matchup image of himself against Prates.Not everyone is sold on that pairing, chiefly Prates himself. Saying so at the UFC Perth post-fight press conference, Prates remarked that when not preparing for a fight, he likes to party and let himself go for a few months. His team wishes he would change his plan, but this means short turnarounds for the Brazilian are largely off the table. He suggested that he would be much more willing to wait for a championship bout than face Morales, even if it means he sits on the shelf for a while. Should Makhachev-Garry take place in August, based on championship schedules, the next welterweight title tilt may not take place until the end of the year or even early 2027.

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