Outside Source
Makhachev became a two-division champion by dethroning Jack Della Maddalena to win the welterweight title at UFC 322 on Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York. The same card saw two up-and-coming welterweights establish themselves as legitimate contenders with bonus-winning finishes. Carlos Prates earned a “Performance of the Night” bonus for a knockout win over former champion Leon Edwards. Meanwhile, Michael Morales maintained his perfect record by knocking out Sean Brady.
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However, Makhachev has his eyes on another former champ who was in the crowd. While Makhachev lauded Morales and Prates, the newly crowned champ believes Usman can still beat both of the young contenders. Given a choice, Makhachev would prefer defending his title against Usman over Prates or Morales. However, the Dagestani champion is ready for whoever the UFC throws at him.
Still One of the Best in This Game
“I still think Kamaru can beat Morales and Prates both,” Makhachev said on the UFC post-fight show. “Kamaru is the biggest name. They’re young fighters, hungry, but Kamaru is still dangerous and one of the best in this game. If you give me the choice and ask me who I want to fight, I will take Kamaru. But it’s not my job. Anyone, I will be ready.”
Islam Makhachev says he’d choose Kamaru Usman over Morales or Prates – “Kamaru is stilldangerous”
🗣️“I still think Kamaru can beat Morales and Prates both. Kamaru is the biggest name. They’re young and hungry, but Kamaru is still dangerous and one of the best in this game. If… pic.twitter.com/YAy4paAeM4
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) November 16, 2025
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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