Following his standout performance at UFC Vegas 106, rising welterweight contender Michael Morales has clearly identified his next target: fellow top fighter Ian Machado Garry.
Morales made a significant statement in the division by delivering a first-round finish against former title challenger Gilbert Burns. This victory keeps Morales`s professional mixed martial arts record perfect and immediately elevates him into discussions among the division`s elite.
With this crucial win secured, Morales is now aiming for a matchup against a top contender, specifically Garry, partly due to reported past altercations involving Garry and some of Morales`s teammates at the UFC Performance Institute (PI).
Morales Explains Why He Wants to Fight Garry
In a post-fight interview, Morales didn`t hesitate when asked about his desired next opponent. He directly named Ian Machado Garry, explaining his reasons:
“Ian Garry, I want to beat him up, I don’t like him,” Morales stated. “I believe he’s been very disrespectful with fighters that I admire, like Belal Muhammad or Neil Magny. They don’t deserve to be disrespected. I think he talks a lot.”
Morales added, “One time he had some problems in the PI with some people I know, and when I found out, I wanted to see what he was doing, but he wasn’t there…so I want to shut him up.”
Ian Machado Garry has since addressed Morales`s comments, denying that any incident occurred at the UFC PI involving Morales`s training partners. Despite Garry`s denial, Morales appears motivated to face him, partially to stand up for his colleagues.
Recent Controversies Involving Ian Machado Garry
This isn`t the first time Garry has been involved in public controversy. He recently had a public disagreement with UFC champion Jack Della Maddalena, who made questionable remarks about Garry`s son in the lead-up to UFC 315. Garry publicly responded to these personal attacks, calling Maddalena`s comments `immature`.
With both Morales and Garry positioned as significant and talked-about contenders in the competitive welterweight division, a potential fight between them would be a highly anticipated event, intensified by this developing personal rivalry stemming from Morales`s challenge and the alleged PI incident.
Gareth Tenby