Michael Morales denies report of being sidelined from UFC welterweight title picture

Michael
Morales recently hinted that he is still in the race for the
next welterweight title shot. 

Morales (19-0) and Ian Garry
(17-1) are widely considered the most likely contenders for the
next
UFC welterweight title shot against Islam
Makhachev (28-1). While both have been calling out Makhachev,
Garry has been more persistent lately. 

Garry recently called out Makhachev, even accusing the champion of
inactivity. Makhachev responded by clearly expressing interest in
the matchup for the first time. The Dagestani star said that he is
merely waiting to sign the contract. 

Meanwhile, MMA journalist Alvaro Colmenero recently reported that
negotiations are underway for Garry to challenge Makhachev for the
title next. According to Colmenero, the booking is being targeted
for UFC 330
in August in Philadelphia. Colmenero further claimed that Morales
is already out of the race for the next title shot.

“I said it a while back, but the fight that’s being negotiated is
Islam
Makhachev vs. Ian Garry,
according to my sources. Morales is already out of this title shot.
Presumably it’ll be in August in Philadelphia, at UFC 330, though
Islam has already pointed toward the IFW in some message.”

Still in Contention?

However, Morales refuted the reports, hinting that he is still in
the picture. The undefeated Ecuadorian wrote on Instagram: “I am
still alive in this war.”

Morales also recently posted a photo with Hunter Campbell with the
caption: “Papers ready.”