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Islam Makhachev thinks that Michael Morales is skilled, but he isn’t impressed with the activity level.

Makhachev is coming off a historic win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 this past Saturday in Philadelphia. He broke the record previously held by Anderson Silva for the most consecutive wins in UFC history (17). While Makhachev didn’t exactly cruise his way to victory, he was in control more often than not on his way to a unanimous decision.

Now that UFC 330 has wrapped up, the question becomes who is next for the No. 1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter? Makhachev was asked who he thinks is most deserving of the opportunity during the Paramount+ post-fight show. The elite titleholder believes that while Morales could be an intriguing challenger, he feels the rising Ecuadorian star needs to be more active before getting a shot.

“Honestly, if you ask me today, Shavkat [Rakhmonov] is not fighting,” Makhachev said. “[Carlos] Prates still fighting, still active. Maybe Prates because Morales also is good, but Morales fight I don’t know last time. I don’t remember when he fight, you know? If you ask who’s the most deserving guy, I think Carlos Prates.”

Morales and Prates were both in attendance for UFC 330 inside Xfinity Mobile Arena. Morales even had a backstage run-in with Ian Machado Garry, although things were cordial despite some back-and-forth words. If Prates ends up getting the next welterweight title shot, it could leave the door open for Morales to fight someone like Garry or another top contender.

In his last outing back in Nov. 2025, Morales scored a first-round TKO finish over Sean Brady. At the time, Brady was widely considered a credible threat at 170 pounds. Whether or not that win will be enough to carry Morales to a showdown with Makhachev remains to be seen.

Do you agree with Islam Makhachev’s stance on Michael Morales’ contender status, or do you feel Morales has done enough to get the title shot? Sound off in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM