Michael Morales and Ian Garry Agree to Saudi Arabia Showdown
Unbeaten welterweight Michael Morales accepted Ian Garry's callout for a November 28 fight in Saudi Arabia.
Michael Morales and Ian Machado Garry have publicly agreed to fight each other, targeting the UFC's reported November 28 event in Saudi Arabia. Now it is up to the promotion to make it official.
The exchange started when Garry, coming off a title fight loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 330, accused Morales of ducking him. Per Sherdog, Garry posted: "You were able to be the backup for the world title fight but not able to take a fight with me now?" Morales fired back directly: "I fight whenever you want I just want a contract and that's it I'll kick your ass."
Garry then proposed the specifics: "Saudi, Nov. 28. Let's do it." Morales accepted.
The two welterweights have been circling each other for months, with Morales reportedly talking trash about Garry and the Irishman confronting Morales about it backstage at UFC 330, per MMA Mania. The rivalry has enough heat to make this one of the more compelling matchups available at 170 pounds.
Morales remains undefeated and is widely regarded as one of the division's most dangerous rising prospects. Garry, despite the title fight loss, carries significant name value and is looking to rebound quickly. The matchup would function as a de facto title eliminator, with Carlos Prates considered the current frontrunner for the next shot at the welterweight belt.
UFC approval is still required. The promotion has not confirmed the Saudi Arabia card or this specific matchup.
This is how fights should get made. Two guys with real heat, one accuses the other of ducking, the other says send the contract, and a date gets picked in public. Now the UFC just has to sign off, and I cannot think of a reason not to.
Stylistically I love it. Morales is undefeated and the scariest prospect at 170, all length and pressure. Garry is coming off the Makhachev loss and needs a statement, and he has the range and footwork to make Morales work. This is a real title eliminator with Prates waiting in front of both of them.
My pick is Morales. Garry's confidence is real but so is the recent tape, and Morales has the kind of relentless output that wears down guys who like to control distance. Either way, the backstage confrontation at UFC 330 tells me this one will not be a technical chess match for long. November 28 in Saudi. Make it official.
