UFC Vegas 106 could mark the beginning of a new chapter in the welterweight division. If Michael Morales can get past Gilbert Burns — and do so convincingly — the narrative around him will shift
No longer just a prospect, he’ll become a legitimate contender. And once that happens, matchups with fighters like Ian Machado Garry may no longer be fantasy — they’ll be inevitable.
Morales isn’t just fighting for himself. He’s fighting for Ecuador, for respect, and for a chance to prove that quiet confidence and hard work can lead to greatness.
Whether or not the Garry fight materializes in 2024, one thing is clear: Michael Morales is coming for the welterweight throne — and he’s not taking shortcuts to get there.
The exchange between Ben Vickers and Ian Machado Garry reflects more than just personal animosity—it represents two visions of what it means to be a modern UFC fighter.
On one side is a team dedicated to the purity of the sport; on the other, a brash up-and-comer playing the media game to perfection.
One thing is certain: if and when Jack Della Maddalena and Ian Machado Garry finally meet, it won’t just be about rankings.
It will be a battle of ideologies, personalities, and preparation—and possibly one of the defining welterweight clashes of this generation.
Also Read: Who are Michael Morales Parents? Mother Katty Hurtado And Father Details
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Michael Morales: Focused, Fired Up, and Forward-Thinking
As the UFC prepares to host UFC Vegas 106, all eyes are on Michael Morales, the undefeated Ecuadorian prospect who’s set to square off with seasoned veteran Gilbert Burns.1
For Morales, this isn’t just another fight — it’s a critical step toward solidifying his place among the welterweight elite.
But even before he steps into the Octagon this weekend, Morales is already plotting his next move: a high-stakes showdown with Ian Machado Garry.
The Road to UFC Vegas 106: Morales’ Meteoric Rise
Michael Morales (16-0) has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC’s welterweight division.
With an unblemished record and a versatile skill set, Morales has methodically dispatched each opponent placed in front of him.
He’s a fighter who embodies both composure and aggression — characteristics that have carried him through the UFC ranks with poise.
His last performance, a dominant victory over Jake Matthews, showcased his evolving fight IQ and ability to maintain control under pressure.
Morales didn’t just win; he sent a message that he’s ready for bigger challenges. That message has now brought him to his most formidable test yet — Gilbert Burns.
Nueva vida💅 Nuevas personas😂
— Michael Morales👑 (@michael93012913) February 27, 2017
A Gateway to the Elite
Facing Gilbert Burns is no small task. A former title challenger and perennial contender, Burns brings a wealth of experience and elite grappling to the cage.
His resume includes wars with the likes of Kamaru Usman, Khamzat Chimaev, and Jorge Masvidal — names that represent the top of the food chain in the UFC.
For Morales, this bout is about more than staying undefeated. It’s about proving that he belongs among the division’s best.
Beating someone of Burns’ caliber would be a career-defining achievement and would push him closer to the top-10, potentially even earning him a number next to his name come Monday morning.
Michael Morales: Laser-Focused on the Present
Despite having long-term ambitions, Morales is locked in on the challenge ahead.2
Speaking during the UFC Vegas 106 media scrum, he emphasized that while his eyes are set on a fight with Ian Machado Garry, his priority is getting past Gilbert Burns first.
“Right now, I’m just fighting whoever they put in front of me,” Morales stated. “It doesn’t matter who it is.”
That kind of tunnel vision is essential at this level. With Burns standing across from him, Morales knows that overlooking his current opponent could be disastrous.
Burns has finished some of the toughest welterweights in the UFC, and any miscalculation could spell the end of Morales’ perfect record.
The Garry Grudge: A Fight Worth Waiting For
Still, the fire between Morales and Ian Machado Garry continues to simmer. The undefeated Irishman, ranked in the top 10, has made waves with his confidence, charisma, and clinical performances inside the cage.
But while both men are undefeated, their trajectories have followed slightly different paths.
Morales has been relatively quiet outside the Octagon, letting his performances do the talking. Garry, on the other hand, has drawn attention with bold proclamations and self-promotion — something that Morales seems unimpressed by.
“I want to fight him no matter what,” Morales said of Garry. “I’ve asked many times to fight with him, and now that he’s in the top 10, it might be hard [that] they let us fight.”
Morales understands the UFC’s marketing machine. Garry is a flashy, marketable fighter with a big following. The organization may be reluctant to pair him with a high-risk opponent like Morales, who doesn’t yet have the same commercial appeal. But Morales isn’t deterred.
“If the opportunity presents itself, I do want to beat the sh*t out of him,” he added bluntly.
Michael Morales: Clash of Styles and Personalities
Stylistically, a bout between Morales and Garry would be a dream for fans. Both fighters are technically gifted, undefeated, and hungry.3
Morales brings a methodical, striking-heavy approach, while Garry prefers to pick his opponents apart with precision and range management. It’s a compelling contrast — and one that could produce fireworks if it ever materializes.
But beyond the technique lies a deeper narrative. The quiet assassin versus the loud showman. The disciplined grinder against the brash superstar. It’s the kind of stylistic and personality clash that sells fights, even if the UFC isn’t ready to make it happen just yet.
Building a Legacy from Ecuador to the Octagon
What makes Morales’ journey even more inspiring is where he comes from. Ecuador is not traditionally known as a hotbed for MMA talent. Morales is blazing a trail for aspiring fighters in his country and across Latin America.
With each win, he’s proving that talent can emerge from anywhere — and that determination and hard work can overcome geographic disadvantages.
His potential win over Burns would not only elevate him in the rankings but also strengthen the global reach of the UFC. Morales could very well become a key figure in the promotion’s efforts to grow its Latin American fanbase.
Mentally Sharp, Emotionally Steady
For all his ambition, Morales carries himself with a maturity beyond his years. There’s a stoicism in his interviews — a clarity that reveals how seriously he takes the craft.
He doesn’t allow himself to get swept up in hype or distractions. He doesn’t trash talk needlessly or chase headlines.
He simply fights, and fights well.
His attitude toward Garry reflects this as well. Despite the strong language he used, there’s a clear sense that Morales isn’t chasing fame or drama.
He wants the fight because he sees Garry as a worthy opponent — and because he believes he can beat him.
Everything else is secondary.
The Path Ahead: Title Shots and Tough Fights
Should Morales get past Burns, the UFC will have little choice but to take his title aspirations seriously. He could find himself just one or two wins away from a shot at the welterweight belt.
But the path won’t be easy. The division is stacked with killers — from Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov to Colby Covington and Leon Edwards.
Still, Morales is undeterred. He’s built his career on discipline, strategic thinking, and relentless preparation.
He knows the value of patience, and he’s willing to wait for the right opportunities to strike — whether that means a top-10 opponent or an eventual grudge match with Garry.
Also Read: Who Are Michael Morales Parents? Meet UFC Star Mother Katty Hurtado And Father
Michael Morales: “Finish the Fights You’re Dominating”
One of Vickers’ main criticisms was Garry’s inability to put away opponents despite controlling fights.
He questioned Garry’s effectiveness in the Octagon, implying that while Garry talks a big game, he’s often unable to deliver a finish when it matters.
“He should concentrate more on finishing fights, especially fights that he’s dominating,” Vickers stated. “He needs to stop flying around the world trying to be a celebrity.”
Garry has gone to decision in four of his last five UFC fights, raising questions about his finishing ability.
While his undefeated record remains intact, critics like Vickers argue that dominant fighters need to make stronger statements inside the cage—not just outside of it.
Clash of Philosophies: Work Ethic vs. Brand Building
The underlying theme in this rivalry is a philosophical divide between the two camps. On one side, Della Maddalena and his team believe in the grind—daily training, fight preparation, and letting the results speak for themselves.
On the other, Garry is positioning himself as a marketable figure, making appearances around the world and embracing the entertainment side of MMA.
While some fans admire Garry’s charisma and confidence, others—like Vickers—view it as a distraction.
“His time would be better spent [in the gym] than trying to wind Jack up,” Vickers concluded.
This isn’t the first time Garry’s promotional tactics have drawn criticism. His decision to skip UFC 296 due to illness was followed by videos of him traveling abroad, sparking backlash from fighters and fans who questioned his dedication.
A Growing Rivalry with Championship Implications
Though Garry and Della Maddalena have not been booked to fight yet, their clash seems inevitable.
Both are young, undefeated in the UFC, and climbing the welterweight ladder. Their contrasting personalities make the potential matchup all the more intriguing.
A fight between them could serve as a title eliminator, with the winner possibly earning a shot at the welterweight belt.
Stylistically, it would be a compelling contest—Garry’s rangy, technical striking against Della Maddalena’s aggressive, pressure-heavy boxing.
Michael Morales: Media Buzz and Fan Reactions
As with most heated exchanges in the UFC, fans and pundits have weighed in.
Some support Garry’s self-promotion, arguing that it brings eyeballs to the sport and adds drama. Others side with Vickers and Della Maddalena, preferring a more grounded, discipline-first approach to MMA.
Social media platforms have been abuzz with fans debating who would win in a hypothetical matchup.
Many believe Garry’s movement and IQ would give him the edge, while others point to Della Maddalena’s gritty style and knockout power as the deciding factors.
Training Focus: Della Maddalena’s Quiet Path to the Top
One thing that stands out in all of this is Della Maddalena’s commitment to the process. Since entering the UFC in 2022, he’s maintained a low profile outside the cage while steadily building his résumé inside of it.
His win over Belal Muhammad was his most significant yet, and it showcased his evolution as a more complete fighter.
While Garry is globetrotting and collecting headlines, Della Maddalena is staying grounded and improving fight by fight. That dedication has earned him the respect of coaches, fans, and fighters alike.
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The Mental Warfare Has Already Begun
Even though no bout agreement has been signed, the mental battle is already underway. Garry’s comments and Vickers’ rebuttal are part of the psychological chess match that often precedes high-stakes fights.
Vickers’ interview sends a message—not just to Garry, but to the entire division—that Della Maddalena’s team is confident, focused, and unfazed by the noise.
It’s a classic setup: the humble warrior vs. the loud showman. And if the UFC does decide to book this matchup, the buildup promises to be electric.
What’s Next for Both Fighters?
With both fighters currently undefeated in the UFC, the path forward is filled with opportunity.
Della Maddalena will likely face another top-five contender next, while Garry’s next move remains uncertain. If both win their upcoming bouts, a collision course feels inevitable.
UFC President Dana White has previously expressed admiration for both fighters, and given the tension building between them, a co-main or even main event slot could be in the cards in late 2025.
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