Promising welterweight fighter sets his sights on a fight against Carlos Prates before a title bout.

Morales considers fight against Carlos Prates Before a chance at the belt. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

MichaelMorales He doesn't hide the fact that he has his eye on the welterweight title (up to 77,1 kg), but assures that he doesn't intend to rush things. The problem is that the line is long. Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Gary, Kamaru Usman and the Brazilian Carlos Prates They appear as title contenders. However, if he needs to fight more before getting a shot at the division's throne, the Ecuadorian doesn't see that as an obstacle, and Prates is one of the fighter's targets.

In an interview on the Death Row MMA podcast, by the former fighter Jorge masvidalMorales, ranked fourth in the welterweight division, praises the knockout power of Carlos PratesHowever, this doesn't pose any difficulties in a potential fight against the Brazilian athlete, even though he is currently ranked sixth.

"Carlos Prates "He has a heavy hand... He knows where to land, he can take three tough rounds, even under grappling pressure. He's improving fast and also wants to be champion," Morales analyzed.

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Still, the Ecuadorian remains focused: first, he wants to solidify his position as the number one contender.

“I want to secure what’s mine. After that, whoever comes, comes… But if I have to fight Prates before the belt, I’ll fight. No problem. In our sport, it’s like this: everyone against everyone. Nobody has any reason to back down,” he concluded.

Michael Morales aims for the top of the welterweight division.

At 26, MichaelMorales He acknowledges that he may eventually move up to middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) in the future, but before that he wants to leave his mark in the current division. After knocking out Sean brady still in the first round of UFC 322On November 16th, the Ecuadorian fighter was experiencing the best moment of his career and was ranked fourth in his weight class.

His performance has placed his name among those considered for his first title defense. Islam makhachevAccording to Morales, the UFC itself has already indicated that he is on the list of potential challengers.

“They (UFC) said I’m one of the contenders for the belt, but only next year… I imagine it will be around June or July, depending on when Makhachev wants to fight,” he concluded.

On the other side, the new champion seems willing to face Morales, although he has stated a preference for a duel with... Kamaru UsmanRegardless of who is in the lead, the Ecuadorian sees ways to make life difficult for the Russian.

“Makhachev is very good… Everyone already knows his game: takedowns, ground control… his wrestling is excellent. But in the welterweight division, the new generation is big, strong, tall. It’s a different story,” he assessed.