Morales calls out entire UFC welterweight division, Garry fires back over fight delay

Undefeated UFC welterweight Michael Morales issued a sweeping public callout on Sunday, targeting champion Islam Makhachev, fellow contenders Carlos Prates and Shavkat Rakhmonov, and recent title challenger Ian Machado Garry — drawing an immediate and pointed response from Garry on Monday.

Morales, 7-0 in the UFC and riding three consecutive first-round knockouts over Sean Brady, Gilbert Burns, and Neil Magny, has not competed in 2026. With the promotion’s upcoming schedule filling fast, the 27-year-old Ecuadorian may not return to the octagon until 2027.

In a video released Sunday, Morales opened by addressing Makhachev directly. “Islam, since you came to my division and took the belt, I have been asking for the fight,” he said. “You know who I am. You said Morales is way more dangerous. You also said I need one more fight — after that, no more excuses. You and me for the belt.”

Morales also turned his attention to Prates, who has moved ahead of him in the contender queue after a dominant knockout of former champion Jack Della Maddalena in May. “Prates, you said 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 — Deadpool vs. Spider-Man,” Morales said. “You want the belt? I want the belt. Let’s find out who’s next.”

He closed by naming Rakhmonov — who has been sidelined since December 2024 with injuries — as his preferred alternative for 2027. “The final boss of this division, Shavkat Rakhmonov. You know where to find me.”

Morales reserved his sharpest words for Garry, delivering a blunt dismissal: “Oh, I almost forgot about you. F*ck you, Ian Garry.”

Garry, who lost a unanimous decision to Makhachev at UFC 330 in August and has since pledged to fight his way back to a title shot, responded Monday with a clip of a previous exchange between the two and a direct rebuttal. “I’ve said YES. The date is locked in. Main event and you’re making excuses already,” Garry wrote. “UFC sent the date. I DM’d you myself. You make it all public but behind the scenes I’m getting a different message. The world knows I’m anyone anytime… How long has it been since he’s fought?”

Morales served as the backup fighter for the Makhachev-Garry title bout in August, successfully making weight but ultimately not competing. With Prates now the frontrunner for the next title shot and Rakhmonov recovering from injury, where Morales fits into the welterweight picture — and when he actually fights — remains unresolved.