Michael Morales delivered a powerful performance at UFC Vegas 106, securing a decisive first-round finish against former title challenger Gilbert Burns in the main event. This impressive victory keeps Morales undefeated in his professional mixed martial arts career and establishes him as a significant new presence in the competitive welterweight division.
Morales is part of a fresh generation of talent emerging in the UFC`s 170-pound weight class, alongside other promising fighters like Shavkat Rakhmonov and Carlos Prates.
Following the biggest win of his career, Morales wasted no time in calling out a prominent contender within the division. His motivation? An alleged confrontation that reportedly occurred between this contender and several of Morales`s teammates at the UFC Performance Institute.
Morales Calls Out Garry, Cites PI Incident and Dislike
During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show after UFC Vegas 106, Morales was asked about his next desired opponent and promptly named Ian Machado Garry.
“Ian Garry, I want to beat him up, I don’t like him,” Morales stated.
He elaborated on his feelings towards Garry: “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 then referenced the alleged incident: “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, who is a key teammate of Gilbert Burns, quickly addressed Morales`s comments. Garry denied that any altercation took place with Morales`s teammates at the UFC PI and expressed confusion regarding the accusation. Despite Garry`s denial, Morales appears keen on facing him, suggesting his motivation includes seeking retribution for his colleagues.
Separate Conflict: Garry and Jack Della Maddalena
The article also notes a separate public disagreement involving Ian Machado Garry and UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena. Ahead of UFC 315, Della Maddalena reportedly made unusual and controversial remarks about Garry`s son. Garry responded to these comments on The Ariel Helwani Show, labeling the champion`s behavior as “immature.”
Garry recently secured a win against Carlos Prates and is positioning himself for potential title contention. Meanwhile, Jack Della Maddalena is rumored to be on track for a potential “super fight” against UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev later this year.
Gareth Pendleton