A top UFC welterweight will weigh in at UFC 330 should anything happen to either Islam Makhachev or Ian Machado Garry ahead of fight night.

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev will make his first title defense against Ian Machado Garry in the UFC 330 main event next month. Garry earned the title shot after recent wins over Carlos Prates and Belal Muhammad.

Makhachev vs. Garry is one of the most intriguing stylistic matchups of the 2026 calendar year. Garry will look to hand Makhachev his second career loss and his first defeat in 11 years.

In addition to their abilities inside the Octagon, Makhachev and Garry are known to seldom withdraw from their UFC bookings. But ahead of UFC 330, the promotion has booked a backup fighter to weigh in just in case either fighter needs to pull out on short notice.

Michael Morales set as Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry backup amidst fight rumors

As first reported by MMA Junkie, rising welterweight star Michael Morales will serve as the UFC 330 backup to Makhachev vs. Garry next month in Philadelphia. Morales hasn’t fought since knocking out Sean Brady at UFC 322 last year.

Morales was linked earlier this week to a potential short-notice booking against former Bellator titleholder Yaroslav Amosov at UFC 330, although the promotion has formally announced nothing regarding additional fights. Amosov has won three consecutive fights, including recent UFC wins over Neil Magny and Joel Alvarez.

While Morales’ services might not be needed at UFC 330, his backup role points to his potential spot as the top contender to the welterweight throne. Carlos Prates also makes an intriguing case for a title shot after a recent finish against Maddalena at UFC Perth.

The Makhachev vs. Garry winner will have no shortage of potential opponents after UFC 330, including Morales and Prates.

What is your prediction for Islam Makhachev vs. Ian Machado Garry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!