So who will Makhachev fight next? The champ is hoping to lock down his first title defense against former 170-pound kingpin Kamaru Usman, though it stands to reason that matchmakers will also consider undefeated contenders Shavkat Rakhmonov and Michael Morales, who are both 19-0.
Islam Makhachev Next Opponent
Kamaru Usman +225
Michael Morales +300
Ian Garry +325
Shavkat Rahkmonov +350
Ilia Topuria +400
Belal Muhammad +900
Carlos Prates +1000
Michael Morales +265
Islam Makhachev -315
Ilia Topuria +170
Islam Makhachev -200
Kamaru Usman +210
Islam Makhachev -250
The 26 year-old Morales doesn’t appear to be in any big hurry.
“I don’t care, the UFC is the one that decides,” Morales said at the UFC 322 press conference. “I’m not one to be asked if I want to fight this person, and I say no. If they ask me to fight (Carlos Prates), I’ll fight him. It doesn’t matter. If they tell me I need to wait a little more for the title, then I’ll wait. As long as they keep giving me fights, I’m happy. I take it step by step. I’m not desperate. I’m young, and I’m just making the most of the opportunities that God gives me.”
“If the fight with Prates goes down or with Belal (Muhammad) or Ian Garry, or whoever, I’ll wait for my opportunity and accept it,” Morales added. “I think it’s more than clear that I kept my promise. I promised to win in the first round, and I did that. The other fighters didn’t keep their promise. So whoever gets the next title shot depends on what (Dana White) decides.”
