All articles tagged with #michael morales
UFC welterweight contenders Shavkat Rakhmonov and Michael Morales are signaling a potential matchup between two undefeated fighters. Rakhmonov posted a TikTok caption referencing a 19-0 vs. 19-0 bout, while Morales recently called out Rakhmonov as a key rival. Both fighters have been inactive due to injuries and scheduling holds, but the division's top contenders are now eyeing each other.
Ian Machado Garry confronted rival Michael Morales backstage after UFC 330, calling out Morales for trash-talk following Garry's unanimous-decision loss to Islam Makhachev; Morales, the backup fighter, appeared to understand the moment, but the exchange ended on amicable terms with a handshake.
Joe Rogan suggested Islam Makhachev could retire after his welterweight title defense at UFC 330, which would clear a path for Michael Morales and Carlos Prates to clash for the vacant crown, with both contenders waiting on the outcome of the main event.
UFC Vegas 82 featured a middleweight showdown between Brendan Allen and Paul Craig, with Allen emerging victorious by unanimous decision. In the co-main event, Michael Morales defeated Jake Matthews by unanimous decision. Chase Hooper secured a submission victory over Jordan Leavitt with a rear naked choke. Payton Talbott also won by submission, defeating Nick Aguirre with a rear naked choke. Amanda Ribas scored a TKO victory over Luana Pinheiro with a wheel kick and punches. Myktybek Orolbai defeated Uros Medic by submission with a neck crank. Joanderson Brito secured a submission win over Jonathan Pearce with a ninja choke. Jose Johnson defeated Chad Anheliger by submission with a rear naked choke. Christian Leroy Duncan won by TKO, defeating Denis Tiuliulin with punches and elbows.
Following the UFC Vegas 76 event, potential matchups for the main card winners have been suggested. Sean Strickland, who scored a TKO win over Abus Magomedov, could face the loser of the upcoming Robert Whittaker vs. Dricus du Plessis fight or Paulo Costa. Grant Dawson, who defeated Damir Ismagulov, could potentially face Matt Frevola. Michael Morales, who defeated Max Griffin, could face Randy Brown. Ariane Lipski, who won a split decision against Melissa Gatto, could face Natalia Silva. Benoit Saint-Denis, who won via rear-naked choke against Ismael Bonfim, could face Elves Brenner. Nursulton Ruziboev, who had a knockout win over Brunno Ferreira, could face Marc-André Barriault.