Michael Morales won’t show Islam Makhachev respect in potential UFC title fight

Michael Morales isn’t intimidated by the aura of Islam Makhachev.

Makhachev has had a dominant run under the UFC banner. He has suffered just one loss in his pro MMA career back in 2015, and he’s gone on to become an active legend in the sport. Not only did Makhachev break the record for the most successful UFC lightweight title defenses, but he’s now the reigning welterweight titleholder after dominating Jack Della Maddalena back in Nov. 2025.

Despite all the accolades, Morales doesn’t see an immovable object. The rising 170-pounder spoke to Danny Segura of MMAJunkie‘s “Hablemos MMA,” and he made it clear he won’t be starstruck if he shares the Octagon with Makhachev.

“I won’t show him much respect,” Morales said. “He’s an athlete just like me. He’s a person just like me. He bleeds just like me. I just see him as a person who I want to take the title from. Sure, he has his legacy and history, but that’s his, not mine. I’m doing my own thing, and I’ve worked hard to get what I have, so I won’t give him that respect of, ‘Oh, he’s the champion. I have to give him all the praise.’

“No, I also want to be champion. I’ve set in my head that I’m going to work hard to take the title away from somebody. That’s my dream, and that’s my priority. I don’t care who I have to beat. I’m not going to idolize anyone. I want to take the title. I don’t care if it’s against Makhachev or anyone else. I want to be champion, and I’m preparing very hard to do that. I want to get a knockout and leave with the belt in my hand.”

Morales is fresh off the biggest win of his fighting career up to this point. On the same card that Makhachev captured the welterweight gold, Morales starched Sean Brady in the opening frame. It was an emphatic win that put Morales’ name high up on the list of potential title challengers.

At this time, Makhachev’s first UFC Welterweight Championship defense hasn’t been announced. Stick with BJPenn.com for the latest updates.

Would you like to see Michael Morales challenge Islam Makhachev for the UFC Welterweight Championship? Share your opinion in the comment section below.