Islam Makhachev, on the other hand, vacated his 155-pound throne in 2025 after four successful title defenses. The number one pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, a two-weight world champion, a former Sambo and European world champion. Islam Makhachev is rumored to face Michael Morales nextIslam Makhachev is rumored to make the first defense of his welterweight title against Michael Morales later this year. Morales wanted rest, recovery, and vacation over a title shot, and Makhachev, who had just made his welterweight debut in mid-November of last year, wasn’t seeking a title shot in early 2026. Alongside the Ecuadorian and Ian Machado Garry, Kamaru Usman, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Carlos Prates also remain in the mix and could be next in line for a welterweight title shot.