“Donald Trump, open the White House. I’m coming!” As the crowd cheered, Islam Makhachev’s intentions came to light. Making easy work out of welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, the Dagestani warrior pulled the curtain at a historic Madison Square Garden card. Now that he’s made it clear, speculations are rife about who Makhachev will fight next. The new champion dropped hints way ahead. At the UFC 322 media day, he mentioned Kamaru Usman’s name. But he might as well take a closer look. One potential challenger has already punched himself closer.

In what Dana White deemed a welterweight title eliminator, Michael Morales pummeled top-ranked Sean Brady to a first-round rout. With seven fights under UFC, out of which he earned the Performance of the Night honor in three, the Ecuadorian enigma remains on an unprecedented 19-win streak. His profile now significantly propped up by the Brady win, some view him as an opponent that Islam Makhachev may find hard to ignore. More significantly, he comes with some strong recommendations. One of those who was visibly impressed by his well-rounded performance was Conor McGregor‘s trainer, John Kavanagh.

Michael Morales can trouble Islam Makhachev

According to the well-respected coach, John Kavanagh, Morales has the potential to disrupt Islam Makhachev’s momentum. Speaking at Ariel Helwani’s show, the Irish national felt that physically and stylistically, Morales makes for a daunting challenge. “I think style-wise and the way he moves, I think he could give Islam a really good test.”

Now intrigued, Helwani asked him to break it down further. “I think a lot of people are saying with his judo background and with his size, he could be the guy,” Helwani added. Referring to his previous discussion with Cesar Gomez Lince, whose Upper Sports Management manages Michael Morales, Kavanagh added, “Actually, Caesar was saying that he has really good grappling. It’s just that we haven’t seen it.”

More often than not, he barely has any use for it. “But size-wise and range-wise, there was just something about him that made it look like Brady couldn’t even begin a shot… He was very rangy. Obviously hits really, really hard. So, I think that’ll be a very interesting one.” John Kavanagh said.

A solid endorsement from a trainer whose world-famous pupil currently eyes a comeback on the much-talked-about White House card.

But both Morales and Makhachev aim at different targets

But praise apart, what about the man himself? What does Michael Morales think about his prospects after defeating Sean Brady? You are not talking about any random fighter. It’s Islam Makhachev, who has now entered the GOAT talks. And it appears Morales is in no hurry to rock the boat.

At the UFC 322 presser, he stated, “If they ask me to fight (Carlos Prates), I’ll fight him. It doesn’t matter. If they tell me I need to wait a little more for the title, then I’ll wait. As long as they keep giving me fights, I’m happy. I take it step by step. I’m not desperate. I’m young, and I’m just making the most of the opportunities that God gives me.”

What about the champion? How does a matchup against a 26-year-old rising star sound?

According to Islam Makhachev, he would opt for Kamaru Usman over a matchup against the likes of Michael Morales or Carlos Prates. “I still think Kamaru can beat Morales and Prates both. Kamaru is the biggest name. They’re young and hungry, but Kamaru is still dangerous and one of the best in this game. If you give me the choice and ask me who I want to fight, I will say Kamaru.”

So in all probability Michael Morales may have to wait for his turn. He can produce exciting fights. But is he ready for someone like Islam Makhachev? Definitely he needs more than encouraging words from a renowned trainer or a manager.

What are your thoughts? Is Morales ready to test Makhachev as coach Kavanagh suggested?