Michael Morales vs Carlos Prates: A Possible Title Eliminator After UFC 322 Shockwaves

The welterweight division has rarely felt this crowded with talent, fire, and genuine contenders.

UFC 322 shook the weight class in ways fans didn’t expect. Islam Makhachev, already one of the sport’s most dominant lightweights, stepped into a new chapter by capturing the welterweight title with a commanding victory over Jack Della Maddalena.

But while Islam’s coronation stole the headline, two young forces stormed the spotlight on the same night Michael Morales and Carlos Prates.

Their knockout wins didn’t just add excitement they shifted the entire contender picture. Now the MMA community is buzzing with one question:

Should the UFC book Michael Morales vs Carlos Prates to decide the next challenger for Islam Makhachev?

This matchup feels as natural as it is violent. Both fighters are undefeated in the UFC. Both earned massive knockouts on the same card.

Both are rising stars from regions with passionate fanbases. And most importantly, both look like future champions.

Here’s a full breakdown of why this matchup is not only possible, but arguably the smartest move for the welterweight division right now.

Islam Makhachev’s Arrival Shakes Up the Division

When Islam Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, he didn’t just win a belt, he reset the entire hierarchy.

A dominant champion entering a new division usually has one effect: chaos.

Fighters who were circling title contention at 170 lbs now find themselves facing an opponent whose grappling, strength, and composure are on another level.

Islam’s win also pushed the division into a transitional phase. Established contenders like Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns, or even Shavkat Rakhmonov may find themselves needing one extra fight before getting a shot.

That’s why the performances of Morales and Prates matter so much.

The welterweight division now needs a new, fresh face to match Islam Makhachev. Someone who brings danger from a different angle.

Someone who can force Islam into a tactical challenge he hasn’t yet faced.

Both Morales and Prates fit that description and UFC 322 proved it.

Michael Morales: The Ecuadorian Rising Star Who Keeps Proving People Wrong

Michael Morales has quietly built one of the most compelling resumes among young welterweights.

His striking is long, sharp, and disciplined. His footwork keeps him safe while setting up powerful counters.

But at UFC 322, he showed something he hadn’t fully revealed before fight-ending aggression.

His Knockout of Sean Brady Shocked Everyone

Sean Brady is one of the most durable and respected grapplers in the division. Few imagined Morales could put him away.

Yet Morales read his timing, forced Brady to fight at a range he hated, and landed a knockout punch that forced the arena to fall silent for a moment.

It wasn’t luck. It was calculation, maturity, and precision. The kind of knockout that changes how fans see a rising contender.

What Makes Morales Dangerous

• Long reach that allows him to strike safely
• Patient style that keeps him from getting reckless
• Strong defensive wrestling and balance
• Clean jab and sharp counters
• Ability to adapt mid-fight

He’s only getting better. And his confidence after UFC 322 is sky-high.

Carlos Prates: Brazil’s Next Big Superstar With Serious Stopping Power

If Morales is the technician, Prates is the wrecking machine.

Carlos Prates has built a reputation for one-shot knockout power, but UFC 322 elevated that reputation to another level.

His Knockout of Leon Edwards Sent Shockwaves Through the MMA World

Leon Edwards is not an easy man to hurt, let alone knock out. But Prates found the perfect opening and blasted Edwards with a punch that ended the fight instantly.

It wasn’t a wild swing, it was a perfectly timed strike thrown with confidence and conviction.

This was the moment the MMA world stood up and said:

“Carlos Prates is a legitimate danger to everyone at 170.”

What Makes Prates Dangerous

• Uncommon knockout power
• Aggressive pressure that breaks opponents
• Chin and toughness to survive tough exchanges
• Confidence that grows with every victory
• Ability to fight at a fast pace without fading

Prates brings the kind of violence that Dana White loves promoting. A fighter who can end a fight at any second is always good for business.

Why Michael Morales vs Carlos Prates Makes Perfect Sense Right Now

Fans often dream up matchups that sound exciting but don’t make much sense from a promotional or ranking perspective.

This is not one of those cases. Morales vs Prates is logical from every angle competitive, promotional, marketing, and divisional structure.

Here’s why:

1. Both Fighters Are Coming Off Huge Knockout Wins on the Same Card

Momentum matters in MMA. Fighters who win on the same night, especially by knockout, are almost always paired up.

UFC loves using that formula because fans naturally connect the moments together.

Morales destroyed Brady. Prates destroyed Edwards. The narrative writes itself.

2. Fans Are Already Calling for One of Them to Get a Title Shot

After UFC 322, the fan reaction online was explosive. Many fans believe Morales or Prates should jump straight into a title shot.

But logically, both need one more win before fighting Islam Makhachev.

A title eliminator between them is the perfect middle ground.

3. Both Fighters Are In Their Prime With Zero Hesitation To Strike

A fight between two cautious point-fighters is hard to sell. But Morales and Prates both come forward, both throw hard, and both believe in their power.

For the UFC, that’s the ideal recipe for a “Fight of the Night” level matchup.

You don’t have to convince anyone that this would be fun. The moment you hear the matchup, you know it’s going to be violent.

4. The Winner Becomes a Fresh, Compelling Challenger for Islam Makhachev

Islam Makhachev is so dominant that the UFC needs new names to challenge him. A contender like Morales or Prates brings:

• A fresh style matchup
• Fan excitement
• Global fanbase growth
• A sense of unpredictability

Whichever fighter wins this matchup immediately becomes the right man to challenge Islam.

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5. Their Styles Fit Together Perfectly

This is the part that makes the fight not just logical, but legendary.

Michael Morales brings:

• Distance control
• Clean striking
• Patience
• Counters

Carlos Prates brings:

• Pressure
• Forward movement
• Knockout power
• Chaos

This is the classic matchup of a sniper vs a brawler. A precision fighter vs a powerhouse. These fights almost always deliver.

Breaking Down How the Fight Could Play Out

This is not just a banger on paper, it’s a tactically fascinating matchup.

How Morales Could Win

Morales would try to keep the fight long. He would rely on:

• His jab
• Long straight punches
• Lateral movement
• Avoiding Prates’ power swings

If Morales can frustrate Prates and force him to rush, Morales can counter and possibly score another knockout.

How Prates Could Win

Prates needs to force Morales backward. His success will depend on:

• Cutting the cage
• Throwing combinations, not single shots
• Keeping Morales uncomfortable
• Making him fight at a faster pace

Prates has the power to end the fight early, and Morales has been hit before. If Prates lands clean, the fight could be over instantly.

Who Deserves the Title Shot More?

This is where the debate becomes heated.

Case for Morales

• Undefeated momentum
• Win over a high-ranking fighter like Sean Brady
• Cleaner fundamentals
• Safer stylistic challenge for Islam

Case for Prates

• More aggressive
• Bigger knockouts
• Stronger appeal to casual fans
• A style that could force Islam into a dangerous striking match

Both have arguments. Both are deserving. And both have the potential to push Islam Makhachev in ways no other welterweight can.

What Makes This Fight So Important for the UFC

The UFC is always looking to build new stars. Islam Makhachev is one of the most dominant champions on the roster. For the division to grow, he needs young, hungry challengers.

Morales and Prates both have:

• International fanbases
• Charisma
• Finishing ability
• A clean competitive storyline

A five-round main event between them could easily headline a Fight Night or support a major pay-per-view.

The UFC always thinks long-term, and this is the kind of fight that builds not just one star — but two.

Will the UFC Actually Make This Fight?

All signs point to yes.

• Both fighters are healthy after UFC 322
• Neither has an immediate next opponent
• The timing is perfect
• Fans are demanding it
• The welterweight division needs clarity

Expect this matchup to be discussed heavily over the next few weeks. If both camps agree, the UFC won’t hesitate.

Final Thoughts: Morales vs Prates Could Be the Fight That Defines the Next Era at Welterweight

UFC 322 didn’t just crown a new champion. It introduced the world to the two men who may one day challenge him, Michael Morales and Carlos Prates.

Both delivered sensational knockouts. Both changed the rankings overnight. Both earned the respect of the MMA community.

And now, a matchup between them feels unavoidable and necessary.

Who should face Islam Makhachev next?
The fairest answer is simple:

Let Michael Morales and Carlos Prates fight for it.

• The winner walks into a title shot.
• The loser remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the division.
• And the fans get one of the best matchups of the year.

This is the fight that can define the new welterweight era. And if the UFC makes it, it could easily become one of the most explosive title eliminators we’ve seen in years.