Michael Morales has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC welterweight division.
The undefeated fighter holds a 7-0 record inside the promotion and has already been mentioned as a potential opponent for Islam Makhachev.
Despite that momentum, fellow contender Carlos Prates believes the 26-year-old Ecuadorian still has more to prove before entering the title conversation.
Carlos Prates says he is ahead of Michael Morales in title shot race
Prates has made it clear he sees himself as the leading contender if he secures another major win.
Speaking to MMA Fighting, ‘The Nightmare’ argued that a victory over Jack Della Maddalena would make him the obvious next choice after Ian Machado Garry, who he expects to receive the immediate title opportunity.
“I think that beating a former champion for the second time in a row, and by knockout, will lock in the title shot. There’s no one else for them to give the fight to but me. If everything goes right and I win another bonus, that will be eight fights and seven bonuses. Come on, who else is there?” he stated before suggesting Morales still needs to prove himself against a former champion.
“Is [Michael] Morales going to fight [for the title]? How? In what way? There’s no way. He has never beaten an ex-champion. The kid is undefeated, he’s good, but there’s no way.”
Prates’ comments underline his belief that experience against elite opponents should carry more weight than an unbeaten record alone.
Welterweight division remains uncertain ahead of key decisions
The division’s immediate future remains unclear.
Garry and Morales do not currently have fights scheduled, while champion Islam Makhachev is also without a confirmed opponent.
There is also the possibility of movement from other divisions, with Ilia Topuria targeting a fight against Makhachev after UFC Freedom 250.
That scenario could reshape the title picture and delay clarity for contenders like Prates.
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