A feud has begun! Morales sets his sights on Ian Garry and vows to chase him all the way to the title.

MichaelMorales knocked out A. Fugitt in UFC 277 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

The rivalry has taken on new chapters in the UFC's welterweight division (up to 77 kg). Undefeated in the organization and increasingly close to the top of the category, MichaelMorales He made no secret of the target he wishes to face in the next stages of his career. In a forceful statement, the Ecuadorian made it clear that he intends to measure his strength against... Ian Gary regardless of when the dispute occurs, whether before or after a potential title fight.

During an interview with the 'Hablemos MMA' channel, Morales raised his voice when commenting on Garry and revealed that his desire to face him goes beyond a simple fight. According to the prospect, his rival doesn't deserve his respect and represents a confrontation he has long desired for a long time.

"Then, (Ian Gary"He's a fighter who doesn't deserve respect. And I want to fight him. I really want to fight him. Whether it's after the title fight or before, it doesn't matter. I could even be champion. And if I become champion, I would still ask for that fight," he said. MichaelMorales in the interview.

A MichaelMorales no le gusta para nada Ian Gary😲 pic.twitter.com/ODLCL4y1yZ

— Hablemos MMA (@hablemosmma) February 3, 2026

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Islam Makhachev and Michael Morales vow to 'erase themselves' in the UFC octagon.

In an interview with 'Match TV', Islam makhachev He stated that Morales was undefeated for a few days, but that shortly after, he returned to an unbeaten record. Although Morales's negative result was in an exhibition fight, the champion was direct in suggesting that his rival would need to be 'knocked out' again.

“Morales wasn’t undefeated a few days ago. Now he is again. I don’t know what happened. I watched the fight, he was knocked out and they said it was an exhibition. Well, he needs to be knocked out again,” he said. Islam makhachev.

Se Islam makhachev He speaks of 'erasing' the rival, the feeling is mutual on the part of MichaelMoralesIn a social media post, the Ecuadorian fighter stated that he sees a specific vulnerability in the Russian champion's record and expressed confidence in repeating an outcome seen previously in Makhachev's career. According to Morales, the path to a potential victory lies in a knockout.

"Makhachev has already been knocked out once, so we have to knock him out again," he wrote. MichaelMorales.

Makhachev ya knok him one time so I have to knok him again 🤫🔥

— Michael🕷Morales🕸 (@michaellmma) January 17, 2026