Ian Garry Names Michael Morales as Path Back to Title

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Ian Machado Garry says a win over Michael Morales is the only fight that puts him back in UFC welterweight title contention, and he wants it next.

Garry made his case in an interview with Eze Talks Sports, just weeks after dropping a unanimous decision to Islam Makhachev at UFC 330 in his first crack at the 170-pound title. Rather than angle for an immediate rematch, the Dubliner is pointing straight at the man ranked directly behind him in the welterweight pecking order.

"For me, there's only one fight that makes sense right now, and that's Michael Morales. When I beat him, I'm the only one who deserves a title shot," Garry said, adding, "I go out there, and I finish Michael Morales, get my hand raised; it's undeniable that I'm right back up there for a title shot."

Why Morales Makes Sense as Garry's Next Fight

Michael Morales is the natural next test for Garry both on paper and in the cage. The Ecuadorian is unbeaten at 19-0 and sits at number three in the UFC welterweight rankings after stopping Sean Brady in the first round at UFC 322. That win put Morales in position to campaign for a title shot of his own, but the promotion instead gave the fall opportunity to Garry, who came up short against Makhachev. Morales served as the official backup for that Makhachev-Garry title fight and currently has no bout scheduled, which leaves an opening for Garry to call his shot.

A Garry-Morales fight also settles a real stylistic question. Morales has finished 14 of his 19 wins by knockout, and Garry has now shared the cage with the two other names atop the division's contender list, Makhachev and Carlos Prates. Beating a knockout artist with a perfect record and a top-three ranking is about as clean a resume-builder as the welterweight division can offer right now.

What Garry Said About a Makhachev-Prates Title Fight

Garry also weighed in on the fight most likely to happen next at the top of the division, Islam Makhachev defending his belt against Carlos Prates. Makhachev wants that matchup after retaining his title against Garry, and Prates already appears to be preparing for it. Garry, who has fought both men, was asked to handicap it and sided with the Brazilian.

"Can Carlos land that one punch to knock him out or can Islam take him down and finish him. My heart is telling that Carlos can get it done," Garry said.

Garry's plan is straightforward: beat Morales, then challenge for the title again against whoever comes out of a Makhachev-Prates fight.

Betting Angle

None of this is booked yet, so there is no live line to point to, but the framing matters for bettors watching the welterweight market. If the UFC does eventually book Garry against Morales, expect Morales to open as a live favorite or close to a pick'em given his finishing rate and unbeaten record, with Garry's counter-striking and grappling pedigree keeping him live on the moneyline. Meanwhile, a Makhachev-Prates title fight would likely open with Makhachev favored given his dominance and title reign, though Prates' knockout power in his last three fights makes him one of the more live underdogs in recent welterweight title picture. Garry publicly picking Prates to win is worth filing away if that fight gets made and the odds move.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Ian Machado Garry say about fighting Michael Morales?

Ian Machado Garry said beating Michael Morales is the only fight that makes sense for him right now and would make him undeniably deserving of another UFC welterweight title shot.

Why is Michael Morales a top welterweight contender?

Michael Morales is undefeated at 19-0 and ranked number three in the UFC welterweight division after stopping Sean Brady in the first round at UFC 322.