Carlos Prates Predicts Michael Morales for Makhachev’s First Welterweight Defense, UFC Says No Fight Is Set
Dana White says the opponent remains undecided pending scheduling around a post-Ramadan return.
Overview
- Prates told Real MMA Today he expects Michael Morales to get the title shot if Kamaru Usman is not available, calling the matchup likely after recent trash talk.
- Islam Makhachev has publicly identified Morales as his preferred next opponent after initially eyeing Usman for his first defense.
- Makhachev said he turned down a short-notice UFC 324 defense he believed involved Morales, keeping the division’s next matchup in flux.
- Tapology briefly removed Morales’ undefeated status over an old reality-show submission before restoring his 19-0 record, intensifying their rivalry.
- Dana White told Complex News he cannot set Makhachev’s opponent yet, with the champion expected to return after Ramadan and broader UFC scheduling still in play.