Shavkat Rakhmonov Teases Michael Morales Fight With Cryptic 19-0 Post
Shavkat Rakhmonov hinted at a welterweight showdown with Michael Morales through cryptic social media posts referencing their identical 19-0 records.
Shavkat Rakhmonov appears to be eyeing Michael Morales for his comeback fight, and he is not being subtle about it.
The Kazakh welterweight posted a series of cryptic messages on TikTok this week, including "19-0 vs 19-0" and a spider emoji, which is Morales' signature logo, alongside the year 2027, per Sherdog. Both fighters are undefeated at 19-0, which would make this a rare clash of perfect records in the welterweight division.
Morales has recently hinted at a fight booking as well, though no official announcement has been made by the UFC.
Rakhmonov has been sidelined since December 2024 after knee surgery. The layoff has been long enough that the UFC removed him from the official welterweight rankings. Before the injury, Rakhmonov was considered the most feared contender at 170 pounds, having finished every single opponent on his professional record.
Morales, meanwhile, has been on a tear. The Ecuadorian prospect has secured consecutive first-round knockouts over Neil Magny, Gilbert Burns, and Sean Brady, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division. At just 24 years old, Morales has the speed and power to trouble anyone at welterweight.
With Carlos Prates reportedly next in line for the welterweight title shot, a Rakhmonov vs. Morales bout could serve as the ultimate title eliminator. The 2027 timeline Rakhmonov posted suggests the fight would likely land in the first quarter of next year, giving him time to fully recover and ramp up training.
This is the fight the welterweight division needs. Two undefeated killers, both with 19-0 records, both with finishing power that makes matchmakers nervous. If the UFC books this, it might be the best title eliminator they can make at 170 pounds.
Rakhmonov coming off a year-plus layoff with knee surgery is the concern. Before the injury he was unstoppable, finishing everyone he touched. But ring rust is real, and Morales is not the guy you want to shake it off against. Morales just knocked out three solid welterweights in a row in the first round. He is peaking at the right time.
If I had to pick right now, I lean Rakhmonov. His grappling is suffocating and Morales has not been tested on the ground against someone at that level. But this is a coin flip fight with knockout danger on both sides. Book it, pay both men well, and let it headline a Fight Night in early 2027.
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