Michael Morales calls for Shavkat Rakhmonov fight

Morales could face Rakhmonov if Carlos Prates gets the title shot.

UFC welterweight contender Michael Morales appears to be very interested in facing Shavkat Rakhmonov in his next bout.

Michael Morales hasn’t fought since his TKO victory over Sean Brady last November. He actually wanted to fight Islam Makhachev for the title, but Makhachev is expected to face Carlos Prates for the title instead. So now he’d like to face Shavkat Rakhmonov and has let everyone know this through a video on social media.

“Islam, since you came to my division and took the belt, I have been asking for the fight, you know who I am. About Prates and me, you said ‘Let them fight’, alright, I respect that. But after that, no more excuses. You and me for the belt. Prates, you said the UFC never offered you the fight with me. You said you will knock me out in the first round, perfect bro, let’s do it. You want the belt, I want the belt, let’s find out who’s next. But, if you guys have different plans, Islam, if you prefer Prates because you prefer an easier fighter, I have (my fight) for 2027. The final boss of this division, Shavkat Rakhmonov. You know where to find me. Oh, I almost forgot, (expletive) Ian Garry”

he said.

And that matchup would actually make sense, provided the UFC gives Carlos Prates the next title shot. If that happens, it would also make a lot of sense for Michael Morales to have another fight, since a matchup between the two would likely be viewed as a minor title eliminator. We’ll find out soon which matchups the UFC ultimately schedules. One thing is certain: the welterweight division is a very interesting one right now.

I find the welterweight division truly interesting right now. I hope the two bouts go ahead as planned, because I think both fighters are great. What do you guys think about that?