Laura Sanko Backs Michael Morales for Islam Makhachev’s First Welterweight Title Defense

Overview

• Sanko, a UFC commentator, urged matchmakers to book Makhachev vs. Morales next, citing the Ecuadorian’s rapid improvement.
• Morales is 19-0 in MMA and 7-0 in the UFC, coming off a first-round finish of Sean Brady that boosted calls for a title shot.
• Makhachev captured the 170-pound belt by unanimous decision over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322.
• The champion has said he will face whomever the UFC selects, though he has floated Kamaru Usman as a preferred opponent, a notion that has drawn mixed reactions.
• No challenger has been finalized after Makhachev turned down a Jan. 24 defense on short notice, with a post‑Ramadan spring timeframe in play and several contenders in the mix.