UFC 322 is shaping up to be the most high-stakes for the welterweight division. In the main event, Jack Della Maddalena will collide with Islam Makhachev, and fans will finally find out if the division gets a new champion or not. Then you have former 170 lbs kingpin Leon Edwards returning to face surging contender Carlos Prates on the main card as well. With so much to gain and lose for everyone on the lineup, nobody is swimming in deeper waters than Sean Brady, facing Michael Morales. 

The Philly native is coming off a massive submission win against ‘Rocky’ himself at the O2 Arena, in what many still consider one of the most lucrative Fight Night events in UFC history. And with that dominant victory, most fans believed Brady had secured his spot as the next in line for the title. But he shocked everyone by accepting a fight against the undefeated up-and-coming contender, Michael Morales. But why take that risk? As he said on the BodyBagz podcast, “I’m undeniable for the title shot after that.” That might be true, but UFC analyst Luke Thomas believes Brady is taking a huge gamble by facing Morales without a big reward on the table. 

Luke Thomas explains Sean Brady’s tough situation ahead of UFC 322 clash against Michael Moraes

In an interview with Submission Radio, Thomas said, “This was a huge risk. Now, I’m gonna say it this way. For as raw of a fighter as Morales is, he’s such a physical beast, and again, technical too when it comes to like the more judo wrestling side of things.” Here, the veteran journalist pointed out how Morales would be more than a challenge for Brady, especially since he’s almost sure to leave it all inside the Octagon at Madison Square Garden. 

The 26-year-old is coming off a knockout win over Gilbert Burns in his last fight. That gives a massive confidence boost to a young and hungry contender like him, who will definitely push the pace on Brady at UFC 322. That’s why Thomas sounded a bit cautious while picking the number one-ranked welterweight to win this matchup. One or two clean shots from Morales could change the entire fight.

The veteran UFC analyst added, “Honestly, even if Garry beats Belal Muhammad, do we really think he’s gonna knock him out? Like that fight is gonna go to the distance right? Whereas I feel like, the Brady one can go the distance, too. But maybe I might be biased, but I feel like if Brady puts the win streak together and beats Morales, where people were ducking him before, and now he signs up for it, I feel like the UFC might reward that.” 

Thomas also pointed out that the Belal Muhammad vs Ian Garry matchup, set for the co-main event at UFC Qatar, scheduled right after UFC 322, could actually become the number one contender fight if one of them scores a knockout. If that happens, and Brady fails to make a strong statement at MSG, then Dana White might pay him better the next time, but Brady might still miss out on the next title shot. And that’s what Thomas probably meant here, since he never directly said the Philly native would get a title shot with a win. 

But to be honest, Brady already made it clear he’s not thinking about the belt yet. He’s ready to face more contenders before becoming “inevitable.” So, we’re going to find out if that path holds once he gets through Morales in the next matchup, because that’s going to be a hell of a fight. And even his former opponent has something to say about this matchup. 

Belal Muhammad picks Michael Morales to win at UFC 322  

After Michael Morales knocked out Gilbert Burns at the Apex, fans immediately bought into the idea that he might be the next big superstar of the division. However, once he got matched up against Sean Brady, many started to believe that the Philly native’s grappling, the same skillset Leon Edwards couldn’t figure out, might become a little too much for Morales. 

Still, the Ecuadorian’s power keeps things interesting, since he can crack chins at any moment. Because of that threat, Brady’s former opponent, Belal Muhammad, who beat him via knockout at UFC 280, believes by a thin margin that Morales has the firepower to pull off the victory.

Belal Muhammad said on his YouTube video, “This is a tough one, but I think I will go with Morales. I think he’s going to be able to use his power, use his distance. It’s going to be a close fight, interesting fight, but I think Morales will be able to use that explosiveness to stay off the ground and will be able to keep his distance, and use his kicks, use his teeps, and use his hands, and hurt Brady a little bit. But I still think it’s 50-50.”

And that’s exactly what Morales’ game plan should be against Brady at UFC 322. The Ecuadorian phenom needs to use his takedown defense and land with precision. He already has the power, but timing will be the real key against such an experienced opponent. And if Morales successfully pulls off this approach, he might actually get his hand raised.

With that said, who do you have winning the match between Sean Brady and Michael Morales? Let us know in the comments section below.