Outside Source
UFC 322 simultaneously saw the crowning of a new welterweight champ in Islam Makhachev and the emergence of fresh contenders in Michael Morales and Carlos Prates. However, Makhachev (28-1) has since expressed interest in defending his title against former champion Usman.
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Muhammad (24-5) believes Morales (19-0) is the most deserving title contender after knocking out Sean Brady at UFC 322. According to Muhammad, Usman (21-4) is a relatively easier fight for Makhachev. Muhammad believes that the fight is being plotted as Makhachev and Usman have the same manager, Ali Abdelaziz. Muhammad notes that Usman won for the first time since 2021 this past June. If Morales gets the next shot, Muhammad is interested in a matchup against Usman.
MMA Politics
“I think Michael Morales for sure has earned it,” Muhammad said on YouTube. “Beating a guy like Sean Brady, being undefeated, finishing Sean Brady. I mean what else more do you have to do? But we see Islam planting the seeds of – Usman should be the next guy. I mean, obviously they have the same manager. Obviously the manager planting seeds in his head… Do I think Usman is an easier matchup for [Islam]? Of course, the guy has fought one time in three years. And he’s 1-3… If it is Morales [for the title shot], I think me and Usman make the most sense.”
Morales recently revealed that his next opponent will likely be Jack Della Maddalena, who was dethroned by Makhachev at UFC 322.
While Makhachev had been eyeing a move to welterweight for a long time, he didn’t want to fight Muhammad because they share a camaraderie. However, Muhammad lost his title to Maddalena at UFC 315 this past May.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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