Makhachev puts his championship on the line against Ian Machado Garry in the UFC 330 main event Saturday at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. While Garry remains the immediate challenge, attention is already turning toward who could be waiting for the winner.
Morales is certainly in the conversation. The undefeated Ecuadorian has been named the official backup for the UFC 330 title fight, putting him just one unexpected withdrawal away from competing for UFC gold. However, Makhachev believes being the backup and earning a title shot are two very different things.
Makhachev wants Morales to stay active
There is little doubt about Morales’ potential. The 19-0 contender has been perfect throughout his professional career and has won all seven of his appearances inside the Octagon.
His biggest statement came at UFC 322 in November 2025, when he needed less than one round to put away highly regarded contender Sean Brady. The victory pushed Morales firmly into the welterweight title picture and established him as one of the division’s most dangerous rising names.
The problem, at least in Makhachev’s eyes, is what has happened since: nothing.
Morales has not fought since beating Brady, and the champion appears reluctant to see him rewarded with a title opportunity while remaining on the sidelines. Makhachev wants to see the undefeated contender stay active and continue proving himself before being handed a championship fight.
That inactivity is what has caught Makhachev’s attention.
“He’s a good contender—one of the contenders, for sure.”
“Just one thing I don’t understand is why he don’t fight. He has to deserve because Prates is still active and fighting.”
Morales being ready to step in at UFC 330 has put him firmly in the title picture. Makhachev, however, does not view backup status as enough to guarantee a championship opportunity.
Carlos Prates Has the Activity Advantage
Carlos Prates is another leading candidate for the next title opportunity. Unlike Morales, the Brazilian has remained active while building a strong case against elite opposition.
Prates has scored consecutive knockout victories over former UFC champions, giving him a notable advantage in the race for a shot at Makhachev.
The champion does not want to look beyond Garry just yet.
“But I don’t know. I don’t want to look behind Ian Garry because I have a good opponent.”
His preference is to deal with the title defense in front of him before deciding who comes next.
“After that, I don’t care who is next.”
Morales will be in Philadelphia with a chance to step into the main event if needed. Whether that earns him the next title fight remains a separate question.
For Makhachev, the message is straightforward: being available is one thing. Staying active and building a championship résumé is another.