Michael Morales hasn’t taken kindly to Ian Machado Garry offering him some advice.
In recent months, Morales has suggested that he’s next for Islam Makhachev following his undefeated run in the welterweight division.
The size and power that the Ecuadorian brings to the table would make him an interesting matchup for the current champion at 170 pounds.
However, after Machado Garry was confirmed as Makhachev’s first title challenger, he encouraged his fellow contender to leave welterweight.
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Michael Morales rejects Ian Machado Garry’s middleweight advice in response
Ian Machado Garry plans to be an active champion if he wins the welterweight belt in August but he still thinks that Michael Morales will be waiting a long time for his shot.
In an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the Irishman suggested that his fellow welterweight contender should move up and try to capitalize at middleweight instead.
“If I was Michael Morales, you know what my advice would be to him? Go up to 185,” Machado Garry said. “Because you’re young, you’re big, you’re somewhat talented. There is a lack of stars up there in the sport. I think he could do very well there. But, if he wants to stay at 170, I’ll punch a hole in his head at some point.”
Morales issued a response via a video he posted on his Instagram, making it very clear what he thinks of the next title challenger’s advice.
“I just want to say one thing to Ian Garry,” he said from his car. “S— it.”
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Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Leaving the welterweight division would be a big call for Morales, especially if he’s willing to fight another contender to try and cement his status as the next title challenger.
However, there has been regular talk surrounding the significant weight increases that he goes through after he steps on the scale at 170 pounds.
Considering that he’s 27 years old, it seems likely that middleweight will be in Morales’ future, but he’s made it very clear that he’s still in the mix at welterweight for the time being.
2026-06-24 17:00:00
