Islam Makhachev has been persistent in the last few months about wanting a specific name for his first title defense as UFC welterweight champion, and top contender Michael Morales has a feeling as to why that’s been the case.
Makhachev, who won the title at 170 pounds back in November after vacating his belt at lightweight, has been pushing for a fight against former UFC welterweight champion and pound-for-pound great Kamaru Usman. Although there’s no denying Usman’s achievements and legacy, many have questioned his merit as a contender given he’s only fought once at 170 pounds in almost three years and is 1-3 in his past four outings.
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That’s why Morales (19-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) finds Makhachev’s interest in the matchup surprising.
“They do know Usman has a lot of injuries, he’s big, who knows if he can make weight like he used to?” Morales told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “We don’t know, but perhaps that’s what they want. Makhachev is young, and he brings a very explosive wrestling game and great jiu-jitsu. So who knows exactly why they’re asking him or why they want him, but for me it’s like looking for an easy fight.”
Morales has been very vocal about wanting to be next for Makhachev. He’s unbeaten in his MMA career and coming off a quick TKO win over top contender Sean Brady at UFC 322 in November, the same event where Makhachev captured the belt at 170 pounds.
He believes the UFC could set themselves up for two very different outcomes should they go with him or Usman. He understands both sides but likes his chances of getting the opportunity against Makhachev.
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“He did beat Buckley, and you have to give him the credit of being a former champion, just like they did to Islam when he moved up and fought straight for the title, but I think the UFC’s priority is to have someone who’s in it for the long run, someone that fights often, someone who is willing to die trying to get the title,” Morales said. “They can have a legend try to resurge, or they can get a younger contender, who’s going to be fighting for them a lot longer. The UFC knows what’s best for them. I think the UFC will put him aside.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Michael Morales: Islam Makhachev wants ‘easy fight’ vs. Kamaru Usman
