The undefeated Michael Morales, who was game to face Ian Machado Garry next, now has a fight set for January 2027, according to the 27-year-old.

However, Morales has claimed that his next bout won’t be against Garry. According to the Ecuadorian fighter, top UFC welterweight contenders Garry and Carlos Prates don’t want to fight him, and his next bout will be against a “very tough opponent.

Morales expects to enter the octagon later this year, in December or potentially January 2027, and has labelled his next outing his ‘last bout before a title shot.’ Morales, during an interview with Juan Francisco Rueda, said:

“We were pushing to see if we could fight in December, but it looks like the fight will be in January instead. Against a very tough opponent. It’s neither Prates nor Ian Garry. Neither wants to fight… We accepted the January fight, which is my last fight before a title shot. We need to win that fight, and then we’ll fight for the title in June, God willing.”

Check out Michael Morales’ comments below:

Michael Morales has not competed for nearly 1 year

Michael Morales last competed at UFC 322, where he knocked out Sean Brady in Round 1. In 2026, he served as backup for the UFC 330 welterweight title clash between Islam Makhachev and Ian Machado Garry.

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – AUGUST 13: Michael Morales of Ecuador poses on the scale during the UFC 330 official weigh-in at Sonesta Philadelphia Rittenhouse Square on August 13, 2026, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

170-pound titleholder Makhachev is expected to lock horns with Carlos Prates next before Ramadan 2027. Meanwhile, if Morales, who has secured three back-to-back R1 knockouts, can secure another big win and further strengthen his resume, he could put himself in a position for the next title shot once the potential Makhachev vs. Prates title fight plays out and the dust settles.

Islam Makhachev and Michael Morales trade barbs. [Images via @miichaelufc on Instagram]

Subham

Subham is a writer and editor with experience spanning MMA, Health & Fitness, true crime, and pop culture. He has previously worked with Sportskeeda MMA, SK True Crime, and SK Pop, Movies, and Shows.
He currently covers the UFC for LowKickMMA and MMA Pros Picks.