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Michael Morales has 50lbs to cut after Islam Makhachev’s U-turn gave him a surprise UFC title shot

Michael Morales must hit championship weight next January. The undefeated welterweight has been granted an unexpected first opportunity to win UFC gold at the first…

Bloodyelbow

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 4:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Michael Morales needs to cut 50 pounds to reach the 170-pound welterweight limit for his UFC 336 interim title fight.
Morales will face Carlos Prates for the interim welterweight belt after champion Islam Makhachev chose to delay his return until after Ramadan.
The 27-year-old Ecuadorian holds an undefeated 19-0 record and currently has three consecutive knockout victories.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Undefeated welterweight Michael Morales is scheduled to face Carlos Prates for the interim welterweight championship at UFC 336 on January 30 in Toronto. The interim title bout was scheduled after champion Islam Makhachev declined a fight with Prates and decided to delay his return until after Ramadan.

Morales revealed on Instagram that he weighed 220 pounds with 13 weeks remaining before the fight, requiring him to cut 50 pounds to reach the 170-pound limit. The 27-year-old Ecuadorian fighter holds a 19-0 professional record and has never missed weight in his career.

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Michael Morales has 50lbs to cut after Islam Makhachev’s U-turn gave him a surprise UFC title shot

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