Michael Morales (17-0) isn’t so sure that Islam Makhachev can make a smooth transition to the welterweight division.
It was recently announced that Makhachev will be vacating the UFC lightweight title in favor of moving up to 170 pounds. While a date hasn’t been set, Dana White confirmed that Jack Della Maddalena will be putting his welterweight gold at stake against Makhachev at some point.
Speaking to Athlon Sports, Morales explained why Islam Makhachev could struggle at welterweight.
#UFCVegas106 headliner Michael Morales explained to me why Islam Makhachev could run into problems at welterweight 👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/tQULvENIIP
— Fernando Quiles Jr. (@FQJMMA) May 17, 2025
“Listen, it’s a whole different game,” Morales said. “If I’m not mistaken, no one has been able to go from lightweight to welterweight and win a title. This is a different game. They’re heavier, there is so much more, there is so many nuances. So, 170 is a different thing and I think what we can be expecting is pretty much the same thing that happened when Volkanovski [moved up to lightweight].
“When Volkanovski went from 145 to 155 to face Islam, look at the difficulty he faced. I think it’s going to be probably the same. These are two different worlds, and it could be a little difficult.”
Fighting Gilbert Burns
Morales’ fight with Gilbert Burns (22-8) had been flipped from the UFC 314 card to the promotion’s most recent pay-per-view in Montreal. Ultimately, the company decided to give Morales his first UFC main event, and he feels it worked out for the better.
“It’s a great opportunity you’re not going to pass up,” Morales said. “I was supposed to fight the guy in April, and I think he was still not recovered from his injuries. Then, we were supposed to fight in Montreal, and as it turns out the UFC liked us to try one more and just get to a main event against Gilbert Burns in the Apex. What more could I ask for?”
Morales is expecting Burns to have renewed focus amid his three-fight skid, but he insists experience won’t be enough when they collide in the UFC Vegas 106 headliner on Saturday.
“He’s been through three losses, and I think he’s going to come for it all,” Morales said. “He’s going to come wanting a win. He needs the win; he’s going to come very eager. I think he comes in with experience, and that’s something that he has, but I don’t think it ended up serving him very well because he did lose to some young fighters. At the end of the day, the experience in of itself was not enough.”
Experience at Young Age
By the time Morales turns 26, he’ll have 18 pro MMA fights under his belt. The undefeated prospect feels it’s a significant edge over the competition.
“I think I’ve been able to do a lot for somebody at 25 years old,” Morales said. “I don’t feel like it’s just 25 years. I think I’ve learned a lot in these 25 years. I’ve tried to learn it as fast as possible, and I think I have this advantage of having this age, at the same time, all this experience. It’s only helping me to climb up the rankings and trying to do as much as possible and having this fast rise in the UFC.”
Reaction to JDM’s UFC Title Win
Maddalena captured the UFC welterweight gold in Montreal when he defeated Belal Muhammad via unanimous decision. Morales believes the fight was eye-opening, and he can see Maddalena holding onto his spot for the time being.
“I think it’s a fight that Belal gave his all, gave his maximum effort,” Morales said. “I’ve had the opportunity of training with him and being close to him. I think there’s a lot to be taken from that fight. I think there was a lot to learn for me. Jack is there, somebody that’s just like me, young and undefeated. I think he’s going to keep the title for a while. Well, let’s see what happens when he fights Islam.”
Future UFC Champion?
Still, Morales makes it clear that the UFC welterweight title is in his sights. He believes he can accomplish the feat before he turns 30, and with time to spare.
“I think it’s very doable,” Morales said. “I think that you’re always ready for these challenges. So, you just continue to be ready, and you take the opportunities. You always look for them and take as much as possible.”
Related: UFC 315 Exclusive: Jack Della Maddalena Dismisses a Belal Muhammad Middleweight Run
