Islam Makhachev, the reigning welterweight champion, recently stated that Michael Morales poses a much more serious threat as a puncher compared to Ilia Topuria. Speaking ahead of his first title defense after Ramadan, Makhachev expressed doubts about Topuria’s effectiveness should he move up from lightweight to welterweight. The UFC champion emphasized Morales’ knockout power as a crucial factor in his assessment.
Makhachev, 34, is reportedly preparing for a bout against Ian Machado Garry, who has been training in Georgia with southpaw wrestlers to challenge the Russian champion. Alongside Garry, fighters like Michael Morales, Kamaru Usman, and Carlos Prates are being considered as future contenders for the welterweight crown.
In a recent interview with Ushatayka, Makhachev analyzed the differences that weight and size make in Topuria’s performance at welterweight versus lightweight. He stated that Morales’ punching ability makes him far more dangerous than Topuria at any weight class.
“I think Morales is way more dangerous as a puncher. He puts people to sleep with damn near every shot he lands. I don’t see Topuria being as dangerous at 170 as he is at 155 because the size is different, the weight is different, and the height is different. It will be much easier for welterweights to fight Topuria. I don’t see any danger from Topuria if he comes up to 170.” – Islam Makhachev, UFC Welterweight Champion
Recent Performance Highlights of Morales and Topuria
Michael Morales, an undefeated 19-0 fighter from Ecuador, is currently on an impressive three-fight knockout streak, all concluded in the first round. At UFC 322, Morales achieved a technical knockout against top contender Sean Brady, increasing his professional wins by knockout to 14.
Ilia Topuria remains undefeated as well, holding a 17-0 record. His latest victories include a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira, being the first to finish Max Holloway by knockout, and prior to that, a win over Alexander Volkanovski in 2024. Despite these achievements at lightweight, Makhachev believes Topuria’s power diminishes significantly if he moves to welterweight.
Makhachev Confirms No Upcoming Fight With Topuria at the White House
During the same discussion, Islam Makhachev ruled out the possibility of facing Ilia Topuria at the White House event. He explained that Topuria will be addressing other obligations, including a highly anticipated matchup against Justin Gaethje to unify the titles, and that the UFC is currently uninterested in scheduling a fight between himself and Topuria.
“Yes, I think it definitely won’t be at the White House because he already has opponents lined up and the UFC isn’t interested in that fight right now.” – Islam Makhachev, UFC Welterweight Champion
Potential Future Contenders in the Welterweight Division
Aside from Ian Machado Garry, Michael Morales, Kamaru Usman, and Carlos Prates are seen as noteworthy challengers who could next vie to dethrone Makhachev. Garry’s recent focus on training with southpaw wrestlers in Georgia indicates his dedication to developing the skills needed to defeat the champion. The welterweight division continues to build anticipation around who will emerge as the leading contender.
Implications for the Welterweight Landscape
Makhachev’s comments spotlight the growing tension in the welterweight division as he prepares to defend his title. By underlining Morales as a more dangerous puncher than Topuria, he places a spotlight on Morales as a key threat. Meanwhile, the uncertainty surrounding a potential Makhachev vs. Topuria fight adds urgency and speculation among fans and analysts alike.
The decision by the UFC to align Topuria’s focus on unification against Justin Gaethje means the welterweight champion’s next opponent could be one of several rising contenders, prolonging the suspense over the division’s future challengers. Makhachev’s stance also shifts attention to the strategic challenges fighters face when moving between weight classes, particularly regarding power and size advantages.
Islam Makhachev says Morales is far more dangerous as a puncher and doesn’t see Topuria being a threat at 170.
“I think Morales is way more dangerous as a puncher. He puts people to sleep with damn near every shot he lands. I don’t see Topuria being as dangerous at 170 as he is… pic.twitter.com/0gQLQgRXdr
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 19, 2026
Islam Makhachev doubts a fight against Ilia Topuria will happen at #UFCWhiteHouse
đź“° https://t.co/PsxHird2R7 pic.twitter.com/xOOa8VFNLF
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) February 18, 2026
